ROLE OF THE PHYSIOTHERAPIST IN THE MULTIPROFESSIONAL INTENSIVE CARE TEAM

Abstract

Introduction: The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a critical environment that requires complex and integrated care. Multidisciplinary work is essential to ensure safety, humanization, and quality of care for critically ill patients. In this context, the physiotherapist plays a strategic role in preventing respiratory and motor complications, early mobilization, and functional rehabilitation. Objective: To analyze the role of the physiotherapist in the multidisciplinary intensive care team, highlighting their interventions and contributions to functionality, complication prevention, and humanized care. Method: An integrative literature review was conducted, covering articles published between 2018 and 2024 in the SCIELO, LILACS, and BDENF databases. The descriptors used were "Physiotherapy," "Intensive Care," "Multidisciplinary Team," "Critical Care," "Early Mobilization," and "ICU Rehabilitation." Inclusion criteria included complete studies, in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, that addressed the role of the physiotherapist in the ICU. Duplicate studies, abstracts, theses, and dissertations were excluded. Results and Discussion: Analysis of the selected studies showed that physical therapists contribute significantly to early mobilization, respiratory therapy, appropriate positioning, and support for the multidisciplinary team. These interventions reduced motor and respiratory complications, shortened hospital stays, and promoted greater functional autonomy for patients. Furthermore, the integration of physical therapists into the team strengthened communication and patient-centered care, highlighting the importance of collaborative work. Barriers such as work overload and structural limitations were identified, reinforcing the need for standardized protocols and ongoing training. Conclusion: Physical therapists are an essential component of the multidisciplinary ICU team, whose work goes beyond isolated interventions, promoting early rehabilitation, complication prevention, and humanized care. The integration of physical therapists with other professionals contributes to the safety, functionality, and quality of life of critically ill patients, highlighting the importance of institutional policies that support their practice.