In total, 66% of hospitals (n=109) participated in the study,
with provincial representation mainly from Ontario (n=36 [33%]) and
Quebec (n=36 [33%]). Assessment and treatment techniques did not
differ greatly between the ward and the intensive care unit. Assessment
focused on patient observation, pulse oximetry and auscultation, and
was reported to be used ‘always or frequently’ by 76%, 76% and 69%
of respondents, respectively. Less than 18% of respondents used a mea-sure of functional capacity, and health-related quality of life measures
were rarely used. Treatment focused on ambulatory techniques, with
78% and 75% of respondents using mobility and transfer training
‘always or frequently’, respectively. The most common educational
topics were breathing exercises and positioning, which were addressed
by 68% and 67% of respondents, respectively.