Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2026, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (10): 1117-1132.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2026.10.001

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Chinese expert consensus on occupational therapy in critical care (2026)

Committee of Critical Care Rehabilitation, Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University   

  • Received:2026-02-28 Revised:2026-07-20 Accepted:2026-07-21 Published:2026-10-25 Online:2026-10-23
  • Supported by:
    Kunming Medical University First-Class Discipline Team Development Program(2024XKTDTS18);Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plateau Thermal Medical Rehabilitation and Wellness Project(20254916CE340046);Major Science and Technology Special Project of Yunnan Provincial Department of Science and Technology(202502AS100004);Regional Science Fund Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China(82460453);Yunnan Provincial Pilot Program on Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Clinical Collaboration for Major and Refractory Diseases: Chronic Disorders of Consciousness;Yunnan Provincial Clinical Medical Center for Rehabilitation(ZX2019-04-02)

Abstract:

Objective To provide evidence-based guidance for the standardized implementation of occupational therapy (OT) in intensive care unit (ICU) in China, and clarify safe intervention timing, intervention domains, management of special populations and the application of assistive technologies, in order to promote multidisciplinary collaboration and clinical practice standardization in critical care rehabilitation.

Methods Led by the Committee of Critical Care Rehabilitation of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine, a multidisciplinary expert panel was formed. A systematic literature search was conducted in Chinese and English databases (up to September, 2025), incorporating relevant studies and guidelines. Evidence was evaluated using the tools such as GRADE, ROBINS-I and PEDro, and recommendations were developed through expert consensus meetings, integrating domestic clinical practice.

Results A total of 16 recommendations and a good practice statement were summarized. Safety criteria for intervention: thresholds for vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, SpO2, etc.) and laboratory values (hemoglobin > 70 g/L, platelet count > 20×109/L). Core intervention domains: context modification, performance patterns reconstruction, sensory stimulation, delirium screening and management, early mobilization and engagement, emphasizing patient-centered and family-involved approaches. Assistive technologies: including eye-tracking for communication support and psychological rehabilitation. Special populations: specific recommendations for critically ill burn patients and neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit, covering early intervention, pain management, kangaroo mother care and positioning support. Team collaboration and training emphasizes close collaboration with intensive care medicine, nursing and surgical disciplines, along with structured training and supervision for OT practitioners.

Conclusion OT plays a crucial role in improving functional outcomes and reducing ICU-acquired complications in critically ill patients. This consensus provides a practical, evidence-based framework to promote the standardization and dissemination of critical care OT in China, enhancing rehabilitation quality and life participation for ICU survivors.

Key words: critical care, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, expert consensus

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