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Patient positioning and its impact on perioperative outcomes in children: A narrative review
Heather Patterson1, Jonathan Eady1,2, Aine Sommerfield1,3,4,5
1Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Insights
Patient positioning significantly impacts pediatric perioperative outcomes. Specific positions may reduce respiratory issues, improve oxygenation during intubation, and decrease anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Patient positioning is a critical factor influencing perioperative outcomes in pediatric patients.
- Understanding these impacts is essential for optimizing care and minimizing risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on how patient positioning affects various perioperative outcomes in children.
- To identify key areas where positioning strategies can enhance patient safety and clinical results.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed focusing on pediatric perioperative outcomes related to patient positioning.
- Key themes identified included respiratory, cardiovascular, enteral, patient-centered outcomes, and soft tissue injuries.
Main Results:
- Heterogeneity in research was noted, but trends suggest potential benefits of certain positions.
- Lateral positioning may reduce adverse respiratory outcomes.
- Head elevation during intubation may improve oxygenation.
- Upright positioning might decrease peri-procedural anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Patient positioning is a modifiable factor with a significant impact on pediatric perioperative care.
- Evidence suggests specific positioning techniques can mitigate risks and improve outcomes.
- Further research is needed to standardize best practices in pediatric patient positioning.
Abstract:
Patient positioning interacts with a number of body systems and can impact clinically important perioperative outcomes. In this educational review, we present the available evidence on the impact that patient positioning can have in the pediatric perioperative setting. A literature search was conducted using search terms that focused on pediatric perioperative outcomes prioritized by contemporary research in this area. Several key themes were identified: the effects of positioning on respiratory outcomes, cardiovascular outcomes, enteral function, patient and carer-centered outcomes, and soft issue injuries. We encountered considerable heterogeneity in research in this area. There may be a role for lateral positioning to reduce respiratory adverse outcomes, head elevation for intubation and improved oxygenation, and upright positioning to reduce peri-procedural anxiety.
