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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
07:16
An Educational Video Demonstration of How to Prone a Critically Ill Intubated Patient
Published on: November 30, 2022
Positioning practices for ventilated intensive care patients: current practice, indications and contraindications
Peter J Thomas1, Jennifer D Paratz, Warren R Stanton
1Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD.
Summary
Intensive care unit (ICU) staff know best practices for patient positioning but face educational and environmental barriers. Improving these resources is crucial for effective patient repositioning and care.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Physiotherapy
- Nursing
Background:
- Patient positioning in intensive care units (ICUs) is vital for managing various conditions.
- Current practices and challenges in implementing effective positioning regimes require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the current practices, rationales, and perceived barriers to patient positioning in Australian ICUs.
- To identify areas for improvement in the implementation of evidence-based positioning protocols.
Main Methods:
- A self-reported survey was distributed to senior physiotherapists and nurses in 38 Australian Level 3 ICUs.
- The survey assessed positioning frequency, duration, aims, and identified risks.
- A 93% response rate was achieved, providing comprehensive data.
Main Results:
- 83% of respondents agreed on a standard of care for turning ventilated patients every 2 hours, but only 47% of ICUs achieved this.
- Educational and environmental factors were identified as significant impediments to optimal positioning.
- While semi-recumbent and full side-lie positions are recommended, they are less utilized than supine; prone and head-down tilt positions are least frequent.
Conclusions:
- ICU healthcare professionals are aware of evidence-based positioning and its associated risks.
- There is a need for enhanced educational and environmental resources to improve the frequency and variety of patient positioning.
- Survey findings can inform the development of educational tools for safer positioning practices.
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