Repositioning Slings: The Effects on Skin Pressure, pH, and Temperature

A challenge for healthcare organizations is providing safe, quality care for patients while reducing musculoskeletal disorders for healthcare workers. The practice of leaving slings under patients opposes the traditional thinking of reducing layers of linens between a patient and the pressure-reducing surface. It is thought the additional layers mitigate the benefits of pressure-reducing surfaces in preventing pressure ulcer development. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects on skin temperature, pH, and pressure when a repositioning sling is left under a patient. An experimental study with 4 conditions: supine or head of bed elevated, with or without a sling was used with a convenience sample of 180 healthy adults. Skin temperature, pH, and sacral pressure were measured. There was no statistical significance detected at 20 minutes with or without a repositioning sling with head elevated or in supine position. The study concluded that repositioning slings can be left under patients for safe patient handling without impacting the skin condition.

Edupuganti K, Price C

Keywords: repositioning slings, safe patient handling, sling and the skin, effects of repositioning slings