title: Physiotherapy practices in Intensive Care Units across Maharashtra.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To find out the current physiotherapy practices in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) across Maharashtra.
  
  
  METHODS
  Study design was exploratory cross-sectional survey. Questionnaires were sent to the physiotherapists working in hospitals across Maharashtra state, India. Four weeks for completion of questionnaire was given in an attempt to ensure good response rates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 200, 73 questionnaires were received representing a 36% response rate. The study revealed that 76% of the respondents were bachelors qualified, 15% were masters in physiotherapy with only 4% specialized in cardio-respiratory physiotherapy; 82% had <5 years experience in ICU. Almost 19% had not at all attended any seminars/workshops related to ICU management while 61% attended up to three within last 2 years. The availability of a physiotherapist during the night was affirmed by 63%, 58% responded initiation of physiotherapy to be "always physician referred" and 39% mentioned "physiotherapist initiated." Almost 80% performed chest wall techniques, 86% positioning, 27% postural drainage, 5% manual hyperinflation, 12% application of nebulizer, and 56% bedsores management. Only 5% reported involvement in ventilator setting, 11% had their opinion sought before weaning from ventilator, 29% practiced noninvasive ventilation, 11% were involved in decision-making for extubation and 44% reported involvement in patient family education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study showed that physiotherapists among the responding ICUs surveyed lack in experience and updated knowledge. Physician reference is necessary to initiate physiotherapy and there exists no established criteria for physiotherapy treatment in ICU. All physiotherapists were routinely involved in chest physiotherapy, mobilization, and positioning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Ujwal Lakshman
authors.initials: UL
authors.lastname: Yeole
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Ankita Ramesh
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Chand
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Biplab B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Nandi
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Pravin P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Gawali
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Roshan G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Adkitte
keywords: Hospitals across Maharashtra; Intensive Care Units; physiotherapy practices