EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND APPLICABILITY OF THE PERME SCORE OF MOBILITY IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AMONG PHYSICAL THERAPISTS WORKING IN THE AREA IN THE STATE OF PERNAMBUCO

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Long-term inactivity in bed is closely related to complications that deteriorate the individual's functional capacity. Fortunately, the early mobilization of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been shown to reduce complications associated with critical illness. Among the scales capable of assessing the functional level and mobilization of patients in the ICU, the Perme Intensive Care Unit Mobility Score (Perme Score) stands out for being a specific score capable of quantifying the improvement in mobility condition. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the level of knowledge and applicability of the Perme Score among physical therapists working in Intensive Care Units in the state of Pernambuco. METHODS: This is an exploratory cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out from March to October 2021, involving physiotherapists active in CREFITO-1 working in ICUs in the state of Pernambuco. Data collection was carried out through an online questionnaire, through the Google Forms tool, with a sample of 60 physiotherapists, of both sexes, working in Intensive Care Units in the state of Pernambuco. RESULTS: The sample of the present study was composed of 60 intensive care physiotherapists, among the participants, the female gender was more prevalent (66.7%), the majority of the sample (88.3%) did not have a specialization in intensive care, and worked as an on-call physician (73.3%). Regarding the participants knowing the Perme Score, most reported knowing it (56.7%), however, 22 (64.7%) stated that they did not use it, while 12 (35.3%) answered that they use it. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Regarding the knowledge and applicability of the Perme Score among physical therapists working in the state of Pernambuco, although most of them were aware of the scale, few reported using it in their professional practice. The results of the research suggest that this is due to the level of knowledge and safety in the application of the Perme Score, in addition to the high demands of ICUs that make professionals opt for less complex solutions.