(PI-027) “Sling”ing the Critically Ill Patient Into Position
Co-Author(s):
Introduction: Critically ill patients are historically very difficult to mobilize and the need for healthcare clinical and non-clinical staff to mobilize this population can require multiple staff to move the patient. This study aimed to evaluate the use of a new Turning and Positioning System, which is a support surface designed to redistribute pressure to a patient's body while also acting as an assistive transfer device using manual or overhead lifts, related to the caregiver and patient safety.
Methods: A data collection form was utilized which examined, the effort required for patient mobility in 5 movements in the ICU patient, the number of caregivers (staff) required to mobilize the patient, and looked at the patient comfort in a hospital bed and maintaining a position in a chair.
Results: 25 caregivers including RNs, PTs, RTs, and NAs, in the ICU of this 225-bed hospital in the Northeast, participated in this prospective pilot study with 97% of caregivers trained on the product. All 5 movements performed by the caregiver ( turning, boosting, lateral and vertical transfers, and bed to chair) were done with light effort. 87.50% of the caregivers required to perform SPHM were 1-2 and 100% of caregivers found that the patient’s seated position was maintained while in the chair and the patient was comfortable in bed or chair. No patient developed a pressure injury while using this system.
Discussion: The use of the new Turning and Positioning System showed safe and effective delivery of mobilization for the patient while reducing the amount caregivers needed to move the patient. In addition, when using this new Turning and Positioning System, it is able to redistribute the pressure to a patient's body and as reported in this study showed no patient developing a pressure injury while on this product.
Trademarked Items:
References: European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, & Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance. (2019). Prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers/injuries: Clinical practice guideline. The International Guideline. Emily Haesler (Ed.), EPUAP/NPIAP/PPPIA, 55-56, 132-133
Leditschke, I. A., Green, M., Irvine, J., Bissett, B., & Mitchell, I. A. (2012). What are the barriers to mobilizing intensive care patients?. Cardiopulmonary physical therapy journal, 23(1), 26–29