Bhubaneswar: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Bhubaneswar has successfully concluded the AIIMS ICU Rehabilitation (AIR) pilot project with the final stakeholders’ meeting.
It marked the culmination of a transformative four-year initiative focused on improving post-ICU care and rehabilitation of critically ill patients, benefiting over 400 chronically ill, bedridden patients and their families.
The AIR project introduced the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) model, a pioneering approach that bridges the gap between healthcare providers and communities, empowering the public to contribute actively to healthcare initiatives.
Dr Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director, AIIMS Bhubaneswar held an interaction with patients and their families, gathering first-hand insights into the project’s impact during the programme’s inauguration.
He appreciated the efforts of the AIR team, led by Dr Swagata Tripathy, and acknowledged the contributions of senior faculty from the departments of Anaesthesia & Critical Care, Trauma & Emergency, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and the College of Nursing Sciences.
Dr Biswas highlighted the initiative’s comprehensive approach, which included training family members in critical care procedures such as tracheostomy care, nasal feeding, physiotherapy, catheter management, and wound care. Facilitating timely home discharge with equipment support, regular follow-ups via telecommunication, and home visits were also covered under the initiative.
Dr Dinabandhu Sahoo, team leader, National Health Mission, emphasised the government’s vision of expanding the AIR project to all medical colleges across Odisha using a hub-and-spoke model. He commended the project’s innovative and holistic approach, which addresses the unique challenges faced by ICU survivors.
The patients and families also shared their experiences on recovery outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
Among others, Dr Nirod Kumar Sahu (Additional Director Technical), Dr Deepak Biswal (SPM, NIPI Innovation Cell, NHM Odisha), Dr Dillip Kumar Parida (Medical Superintendent, AIIMS Bhubaneswar), Dr Satyajit Mishra, and Dr Swagata Tripathy spoke at the meeting.
