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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
07:16
An Educational Video Demonstration of How to Prone a Critically Ill Intubated Patient
Published on: November 30, 2022
Optimizing seating in the intensive care unit for patients with impaired mobility
Teresa Ann Williams1, Gavin D Leslie, Robert Bingham
1Royal Perth Hospital, The University of Western Australia in Perth, Western Australia. Teresa.Williams@health.wa.gov.au
Summary
A new seating surface for intensive care patients significantly reduced excessive seating pressures, promoting comfort and likely preventing pressure ulcers. This innovation aids mobility and recovery for critically ill individuals.
Area of Science:
- Critical care medicine
- Biomedical engineering
- Rehabilitation therapy
Background:
- Early mobilization of intensive care unit (ICU) patients improves respiratory function and psychological well-being.
- Sitting out of bed reduces complications associated with prolonged immobilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare seating interface pressures across different surfaces.
- To identify an optimal seating surface for ICU patients requiring out-of-bed activity.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase, non-randomized crossover study utilized pressure mapping technology.
- Phase 1 compared three seating surfaces: regular chair, chair with gel overlay, and an alternative chair.
- Phase 2 compared a newly developed surface against the regular chair surface.
Main Results:
- The alternative chair showed fewer excessive pressures in Phase 1, but lacked practical utility.
- In Phase 2, the new seating surface demonstrated a significant reduction (93%) in excessive pressures compared to the regular surface (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- The developed seating surface offers a promising solution for ICU patients.
- This innovation is expected to enhance patient comfort and mitigate the risk of pressure ulcer development.
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