Implementing Prone Positioning in Your Unit: What Do You Need to Know?
Prone positioning for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been occurring for over 30 years. A recent randomized control trial showing significant impact on 30- and 90-day mortality has placed it into international guidelines as a strongly recommended therapy. The current coronavirus pandemic shined a light on prone positioning as a lifesaving technique to improve oxygenation. This has resulted in worldwide implementation in intensive care units (ICUs). To incorporate prone positioning into moderate and severe ARDS patients' routine practice, the multiprofessional team must address many factors. They include: Understanding why prone positioning works and the evidence to supports its use with moderate to severe ARDS patients.Identify screening strategies to determine which patients the position should be initiated early in the course of their disease.Multiprofessional development of a protocol is required to address indications for use, methods, frequency of prone positioning, contraindications, equipment needed, preparation of the patient to prevent injury, and care of the patient while in the prone position as indications for stopping the procedure.Development of education and implementation plans to ensure the successful integration of the new practice.