Aust Crit Care
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Functional outcomes and health-related quality of life are important measures for survivors of a critical illness. Studies have demonstrated debilitating physical effects for a significant proportion of surviving patients, particularly those with intensive care unit-acquired weakness. Contemporary practice changes include a focus on the continuum of critical illness, with less sedation and more physical activity including mobility while in ICU, and post-ICU and post-hospitalisation activities to support optimal recovery. How to best assess the physical function of patients at different phases of their recovery and rehabilitation is therefore important. ⋯ Based on findings from the review, screening of patients using reliable and valid instruments for ICU patients is recommended to inform both practice and future studies of interventions aimed at improving recovery and rehabilitation.