CompletedInterventional

Remote rehabilitation after intensive care

Being treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) on a breathing machine can have long-lasting effects. Many people return home feeling physically weak, deeply tired, anxious, or struggling with difficult memories. Across the UK, structured support is often limited once a patient leaves hospital. This study, known as iRehab, is looking at whether a six-week home rehabilitation programme can improve recovery. Half the participants will receive standard NHS care, while the other half will join a remote programme with tailored exercises, wellbeing tips, and weekly check-ins from a trained healthcare team. You do not need technical skills or your own computer to take part, as a tablet or paper materials can be provided. Researchers will measure participants' physical strength, tiredness, and emotional health over six months to see if this programme offers good value and real benefits for recovery.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Ulster

Enrolment target

428

Start

18 Nov 2022

Estimated completion

18 Apr 2025

Any condition requiring admission to intensive care and 48 hours of invasive mechanical ventilation

What is this study about?

A stay in an intensive care unit (ICU) can save your life, but the journey does not stop when you are discharged. Many people who needed a breathing machine (ventilator) during their illness find that returning home brings unexpected hurdles. Muscles can become weak after weeks in bed, everyday tasks like making a cup of tea can feel exhausting, and emotional challenges—such as low mood, anxiety, or vivid memories of hospital—are very common.

Even though rehabilitation is vital, access to recovery services varies widely across the UK. Many patients are discharged without an organised rehabilitation plan in place. The iRehab study was created to bridge this gap. Designed with input from former ICU patients, it tests whether guided support delivered remotely into people's homes can make life after critical illness easier and healthier.

Participants in the study are split into two groups by chance. One group continues with standard NHS care, while the other takes part in a six-week online rehabilitation programme. This includes manageable home exercises, practical advice on managing symptoms like fatigue, and weekly check-ins with a trained professional. By comparing both groups, the study aims to show if this remote service helps people regain strength, improves emotional wellbeing, and provides good value for the NHS.

Key takeaways

Tests a six-week home rehabilitation programme for people who recently left intensive care.
Open to adults home within 12 weeks of an ICU stay that involved 48+ hours on a ventilator.
Half of the participants receive regular NHS care; the other half try the remote iRehab programme.
Support includes gentle exercise, symptom guides, and weekly check-ins by phone or video.
Check-in questionnaires are completed at the start, at 8 weeks, and at 6 months.

Who may be eligible?

This trial is open to adults aged 18 and over who have returned home within the last 12 weeks following an intensive care stay. To be eligible, you must have needed a breathing machine (invasive mechanical ventilation) for at least 48 hours while in hospital.

You will not be able to take part if you have been discharged to a care home or an inpatient rehabilitation facility, or if you are already taking part in another recovery study. It is also not suitable for individuals who have medical reasons that make exercise unsafe, or those with severe mental health conditions that would make participating too difficult.

Because taking part requires giving your consent and communicating with the team, you must be able to understand the study details and agree to take part. You do not need to own a computer or tablet, as the study team can lend you a device or send information through the post.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I was recently treated in an intensive care unit (ICU).
I spent 48 hours or longer on a breathing machine (ventilator).
I was discharged from the hospital within the last 12 weeks.
I am currently living at home (not in a care home or inpatient rehab unit).
A doctor has not told me that gentle exercise is unsafe for me.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you will be randomly placed into one of two groups: standard NHS care or the six-week iRehab programme. If you are in the rehabilitation group, you will receive an individual plan covering gentle exercises, tips to handle symptoms, and educational guides. You will also have a weekly catch-up (via phone or video call) with a healthcare professional who understands post-ICU recovery. No new medications or hospital visits are involved.

All participants, regardless of which group they are in, will complete assessments when they join, at 8 weeks, and at 6 months. These assessments involve answering questions about your quality of life, energy levels, emotional wellbeing, and physical recovery. Overall, your active participation lasts around six months from the day you sign up.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may give you access to expert guidance and structured support to help your body and mind recover from intensive care. Even if you are in the standard care group, your answers will help the NHS design better post-ICU recovery services for future patients. Starting any new exercise programme can occasionally cause mild muscle soreness or tiredness, but the activities are gentle and tailored to your abilities. You are entirely free to pause, skip exercises, or withdraw from the study at any time without your regular NHS medical care being affected.

Locations (53)

Stoke Mandeville Hospital
Approximate
Aylesbury, England
James Paget University Hospital
Approximate
Great Yarmouth, England
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Approximate
London, England
Aintree University Hospital
Approximate
Liverpool, England
Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Approximate
Liverpool, England
Pinderfields Hospital
Unverified
Wakefield, England
The Royal Victoria Infirmary
Unverified
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Freeman hospital
Unverified
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Salford Royal Hospital
Unverified
Salford, England
The Royal Oldham Hospital
Unverified
Oldham, England
Queen Alexandra Hospital
Unverified
Portsmouth, England
North Devon District Hospital
Unverified
Barnstaple, England

Common questions

Do I need my own computer or internet connection to join?

Not necessarily. If you do not have a computer or internet access, the research team can provide a tablet device or post printed guides to your home.

Will taking part interfere with my usual NHS appointments?

No. The study is designed to run alongside any ongoing outpatient appointments or GP visits that you normally receive.

What happens if I feel too unwell or tired to exercise?

The programme is gentle and flexible. Your weekly check-ins are there to adjust activities so they match how you are feeling each week.

Do I have to take any new drugs or treatments?

No. This study does not test any medications. It only looks at exercise, education, and symptom support.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You can leave the study at any point without giving a reason, and your regular NHS care will remain exactly the same.

How to find out more

Brenda O'Neill

b.oneill@ulster.ac.uk +44 (0)2895 368812 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.