Association Between Acute-Phase Occupational Therapy and Quality of Life at Hospital Discharge and 90 Days After Discharge

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Early rehabilitation in critically ill patients has been associated with improved physical outcomes. However, evidence regarding the association between occupational therapy and quality of life (QOL) remains limited. This study examined the association between acute-phase occupational therapy and QOL. Methods: Data were obtained from the multicenter prospective EMPICS study. Patients who remained in the intensive care unit (ICU) for at least 48 h were included. QOL was assessed using the EuroQol 5-Dimensions 5-Levels (EQ-5D-5L) at hospital discharge and 90 days after discharge. Inverse probability of treatment weighting analyses examined the associations between occupational therapy and EQ-5D-5L outcomes. Results: A total of 178 patients were included (physical therapy group, n = 138; physical plus occupational therapy group, n = 40). Occupational therapy was independently associated with a more favorable EQ-5D-5L index score at hospital discharge (B = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02–0.24; p = 0.02). Patients who initiated occupational therapy during ICU stay had significantly more favorable EQ-5D-5L index score at discharge than those who started after ICU discharge (B = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.07–0.36; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Acute-phase occupational therapy, particularly when initiated during ICU stay, was associated with better QOL at hospital discharge but not at 90 days. Further studies are needed to clarify its long-term clinical benefits.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2026 · DOI ↗