Trauma nurses' experience of repositioning practice for trauma patients: a qualitative descriptive study

Clinical evidence indicates that the low frequency of repositioning among trauma nurses contributes to pressure ulcers during hospitalization.

This study aimed to understand how trauma nurses address the need for repositioning patients in an emergency room and intensive care unit in Saudi Arabia.

A qualitative descriptive design was employed, and the study was reported in accordance with COREQ guidelines and checklist. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses to explore how they interact with the need for repositioning patients. Rigor was ensured using the criteria established by Lincoln and Guba.

Fifteen nurses from a large government hospital in Saudi Arabia participated in the study. The findings revealed that the policy's clarity, the presence of teamwork, and the level of managerial follow-up influenced nurses' decisions to proceed and perform repositioning. This procedure is often omitted due to delays in medical decision-making and workload. After deciding to proceed, factors such as nursing skill and the availability of the equipment influence repositioning practice.

Clear policies, timely medical decisions, teamwork, manageable workloads, and managerial follow-up are critical in nurses' decisions to perform or delay patient repositioning. After deciding to proceed, nurses face a second critical step: assessing their abilities, equipment availability, and the patient's needs. Even with the intent to reposition, perceived skill gaps and inadequate equipment can significantly reduce the likelihood of completing the procedure.

Hospitals should support the processes by improving policies and the care system for trauma patients. Repositioning is the cornerstone of pressure ulcer prevention among trauma patients; therefore, work system-level changes are needed to ensure compliance.