A Randomized Controlled Trial of Incomplete Prone Position Versus Lateral Position in Non-Mechanically Ventilated...

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Respiratory Therapy
• Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Tracheostomy care in non-mechanically ventilated adults requires effective strategies to manage respiratory function.
• The incomplete prone position is a potential intervention to improve outcomes in this patient population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of the incomplete prone position on respiratory oxygenation, pulmonary infection, sputum volume, and hemodynamics in non-mechanically ventilated adults with tracheostomy.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 64 adults with tracheostomy was conducted.
• Participants were assigned to either the incomplete prone position (experimental group) or the lateral position (control group) for 7 days.
• Respiratory indicators, pulmonary infection rates, sputum volume, and hemodynamics were compared between groups.

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed significantly improved arterial partial pressure of oxygen, oxygenation index, and pulse oxygen saturation.
• Higher daily sputum volume was observed in the experimental group, indicating enhanced airway secretion clearance.
• No significant difference in pulmonary infection incidence was found, but the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score was lower in the experimental group. Hemodynamic parameters remained stable in both groups.

Conclusions:

• The incomplete prone position is a safe and effective intervention for improving oxygenation and promoting airway secretion clearance in non-mechanically ventilated adults with tracheostomy.
• This position may also reduce the severity of pulmonary infections in this patient group.
• Further research can explore long-term outcomes and optimal application protocols.