Sepsis Trial of Early Physical Therapy Outside the ICU

Sepsis Trial of Early Physical Therapy Outside the ICU: A Pilot Feasibility Study

The purpose of this study is to determine whether an additional physical therapy program can improve the mobility and functional outcomes of patients diagnosed with severe sepsis (an illness in which the body has a severe response to bacteria or other germs and develops worsened function of a major organ such as the kidneys, heart, or lungs).

Patients who are admitted to the hospitalist service at the University of Michigan Hospital will be screened for the presence of severe sepsis. Those who are deemed eligible and provide consent will be enrolled. Study patients will receive additional physical therapy according to a protocol developed for this study in addition to the usual care recommended by their regular treating physician. Additional treatments will be individualized based on enrolled patients' baseline physical function and progress and may include standing, stretching, transferring, and walking - either with assistance or independently. Treating therapists have been trained in the use of the protocol and individualization to maintain the highest standard of patient safety. Patients will be contacted 30 days after discharge to answer questions about their health and ability to perform routine tasks at home.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Any English-speaking patient over the age of 18 who is currently admitted to a general care floor under the care of the Medicine Faculty Hospitalist Service at the University of Michigan Health System and has severe sepsis is eligible to take part in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects must be deemed by the study team to give informed consent by being able to state the basic purpose of the study. Consent by a legally authorized representative (LAR) will not be sought.