Rehabilitation in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit (CVICU) is becoming a more recognized essential need, with a patient population that is older, sicker and more complex than ever before. Little research has been conducted on occupational and physical therapy staffing models in the CVICU, how they are experienced by staff, or the possible benefits and challenges of different approaches. This pilot qualitative study explored the lived experiences of occupational and physical therapists working in an embedded CVICU rehabilitation team in a large level academic and teaching hospital. Two occupational therapists and three physical therapists with experience in this staffing model participated in semi-structured interviews, exploring the benefits and challenges, especially compared to the more traditional staffin model practiced elsewhere in their facility. Participants described a close-knit team integrated directly into the CVICU itself, with specialized training and increased consistency in sharp contrast to the more traditional staffing model they had experienced in the past. Findings coaslesced around three major perceived benefits of the embedded team as well as three key challenges to successful implementation. Results from this pilot qualitative study can inform other facilities who may wish to employ a similar approach to staffing and highlights the important role of occupational therapy in this practice area.
