How to save manpower when doing head repositioning in prone position?

Simplifying Head Repositioning with Optima Prone Minimizes Risks for Caregivers and Patients.

The need for head repositioning in the prone position every two hours complicates ICU management.

Prone position has been frequently used in the intensive care units to improve the prognosis in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Regarding the American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine (AJRCCM) and Critical Care Nurse practice guideline, requiring a team of 5 caregivers to complete supine and prone maneuvers and a team of 3 caregivers to reposition the patient’s head every 2-4 hours, with therapy lasting 12 to 16 hours.

The current situation: frequent labor-intensive patient handling maneuvers, significantly increasing harm to caregivers.

Lifting a patient's shoulder for a head repositioning maneuver requires a team of 3 caregivers every 2-4 hours. This is a labor-intensive procedure and potentially causes harm to caregivers. Head repositioning is a highly complex maneuver, requiring caregivers to simultaneously hold and turn the patient's head while stabilizing tubes to prevent unintended extubation or obstructions.

Figure1：The steps for performing head repositioning with Optima Prone

Enhanced Safety Protocol Recommendations for Prone Positioning by Critical Care Nurses:

1. Develop and implement a manual for prone positioning safety, outlining procedures, personnel, and resources. Covering pressure injury prevention, enteral nutrition, and airway maintenance, ensure caregiver safety.
2. Ensure annual hands-on training, including lift assist device use and head repositioning accuracy.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor unit-specific injury rates and complications, guiding improvement efforts for patient and caregiver safety.