Summary of Best Evidence for Lateral-Prone Surgical Position Management

Area of Science:

• Surgical Nursing
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Lateral-prone surgical positioning is a complex procedure requiring careful management.
• Existing evidence on best practices is fragmented across various sources.
• A consolidated evidence base is needed to support clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate and synthesize evidence on the management of lateral-prone surgical positioning.
• To establish an evidence-based foundation for clinical practice.
• To enhance the safety and efficacy of lateral-prone positioning in surgical settings.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed using the "6S" evidence model in Chinese and English databases.
• Included evidence types: clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, evidence summaries, clinical decisions, expert consensus, and randomized clinical trials.
• Evidence quality was independently assessed by two expert researchers.

Main Results:

• Nine documents (7 guidelines, 2 expert consensus) were included in the synthesis.
• Twenty-eight distinct pieces of evidence regarding lateral-prone positioning management were identified.
• Key areas covered include: prepositioning assessment, equipment preparation, teamwork, positioning techniques, postpositioning checks, and intraoperative considerations.

Conclusions:

• This synthesis provides the best available evidence for managing lateral-prone surgical positioning.
• The findings offer an evidence-based foundation for surgical teams.
• Healthcare professionals should apply this evidence judiciously, considering clinical context and individual preferences.