Evaluation of Techniques for Prone Positioning Using Safe Patient Handling Equipment

Prone positioning is required for many different reasons. Historically, manually proning patients has been the only option for positioning in this manner; however, this technique carries a significant risk of musculoskeletal injuries to healthcare workers. This article will describe how the safe patient handling (SPH) team at an academic medical center evaluated several pieces of equipment to aid in reducing the manual forces required for prone positioning. Techniques for proning with slide sheets, slide tubes, air-assisted technology, floor-based portable lifts, and ceiling lifts are described, and videos are included to demonstrate each technique. A summary of pros and cons of each device is provided. Cost of SPH equipment and required manual handling tend to have an inverse relationship, meaning that the least expensive SPH devices require the greatest amount of manual handling, and the most expensive devices require the least amount of manual force production. Multiple options exist which reduce the risk of injury to caregivers while positioning patients in prone. Facilities must consider the safety of each option now and plan ahead.

Church M, Chechile J

Keywords: prone positioning, safe patient handling, slide sheets, slide tubes, air-assisted technology, floor-based portable lift, ceiling lift