Complete Guide to Patient Positioning for Hospitals

Correct patient positioning is vital to ensure the safety and effectiveness of surgical and medical procedures. It should be a team effort, led by adequately trained and experienced professionals. This includes surgeons, RNs, and other care providers who share the responsibility for setting up and maintaining the correct positions of patients as they undergo procedures.

Let's explore what correct positioning entails, its objectives, and the best positions for your patients depending on what procedure they are up for.

What is The Patient Positioning?

Correct patient positioning prevents hyperextension and extreme lateral rotation of a patient's body to ensure neutral body alignment and avoid complications caused by long-term immobility and injury.

In plain words, patient positioning is the idea of helping individuals move, turn and relocate themselves who cannot do so due to their severe medical conditions.

There is a different suitable position for every patient. This is because medical factors include the type of injury, surgery, or medical condition the patient is in or is recovering from. Other factors include the amount of anesthesia administered into the patient's body or the devices he is supposed to use.

The Goals And Importance Of The Patient Positioning

The main goal of patient positioning is to ensure that the patient does not bodily complications while recovering from their various medical conditions.

Patient positioning is highly paramount for a variety of reasons. For example, it:

• Aids patients to move quickly without any pain or injury
• Improves the physical and psychological health of patients
• Helps keep the airway open and maintain circulation throughout a procedure
• Prevents nerve damage
• Ensures healthy skin and prevention of bed sores
• Ensures that surgeons are available on surgical sites and they should administer anesthetic ation
• Minimizes physical impairment risks and issues
• Refreshes psychological health and provides comfort to the body
• Prevents pressure ulcers

Guidelines For Patient Positioning

To know the best position patients for wellbeing and comfort, follow these guidelines:

1.     Always follow the prescription given by professional doctors. This way, you will know when, where, and how to change your patient's position

2.     Keep the lateral rotation to 30 degrees from the supine or prone position

3.     Keep a check on the time to ensure that you change your patient's position at regular intervals to avoid fatigue and the possibility of bed sores

4.     Position them to avoid putting pressure over an existing pressure ulcer or wound

5.     Prepare soft and comfortable bedding for the patient's ease

6.     Prevent putting layers of sheets under the patient, so they do not tug or feel uncomfortable,

7.     Do not use donut-type devices

8.     Leave a handheld receiver with the patient so they can call for help in case they need to change their position

Common Patient Positions

There are several common medical positions that doctors prescribe to patients after looking at their medical conditions. Here are the common ones:

1.     Fowler's Position

The patient is semi-sitting, at 45 to 60 degrees and may have either bent or straight knees. This position is specifically to alleviate pain and discomfort for anyone who’s had head, shoulder or chest surgeries.

2.     High Fowler's Position

The patient is made to sit upright but you can allow the legs to be straight or bent as per their comfort.  The upper body can be adjusted to between 60 and 90 degrees. This position is commonly used when the patient is emptying the bowels, eating or drinking, getting X-rays, or needs help breathing.

3.     Supine Position

This is where you lift the patient's head to rest it on a pillow, ensuring that their neck is in a neutral position. Moreover, place their arms in a neutral thumbs-up position, or at their sides on arm boards.

4.     Jackknife Position

Jackknife position is when the patient is made to lie on their back so that their shoulders are elevated, and legs are flexed on thighs in a manner that they are 90 degrees to the abdomen. This position is recommended when introducing a urethral sound.

5.     Kidney Position

This one is just like the lateral position. However, the difference is that the patient's abdomen is lifted on the operating table to bends the body and allow access to the retroperitoneal space. The lift is done by placing a kidney rest under the patient.

6.     Prone Position

Laying flat on your stomach is known as a prone position. The prone position is used in medical settings to help patients with certain conditions and symptoms get relief.

7.     Lithotomy Position

Commonly used for vaginal examinations and child delivery, this position has the patient on their back with hips and knees bent and thighs away from each other.

8.     Sim's Position

This is where the patient is made to lie on the left side with both legs bent in the same direction. It is also known as the lateral recumbent position.

9.     Lateral Position

This is a side-lying position with pillows strategically placed along the patient's back, possibly buttocks, and between the legs to avoid internal hip rotation.

10. Trendelenburg Position

The patient is supine on the table with their head declining below their feet at roughly 16°. This position is used during abdominal surgeries and central venous catheter placements.

11. Reverse Trendelenburg Position

In Reverse Trendelenburg, the patient’s head is up, and their feet are positioned down.

Patient Positions – Risk Factors To Look Out For

There are several risks involved while doing patient positioning. One wrong move and your patient might have to face extreme pain, disabilities, and injuries. Therefore, it is best that the proper patient positioning is followed as advised by a healthcare professional.

Moreover, only a professional and registered burse must carry out this venture. While you are positioning your patient, ensure that your patient is comfortable in a neutral alignment without extreme lateral rotation or hyperextension.

Furthermore, it is vital to ensure that you have the correct number of personnel, devices, and equipment available during a procedure to ensure patient and staff safety.

Hospital Equipment That Can Help Ensure Correct Patient Positions

Several hospital equipment can come in handy for you. Here are some of the common ones;

1.    Hospital beds: These are designed for patient comfort. Moreover, they also provide exceptional convenience to healthcare workers and the staff.

2.    Operating table: Operating tables come with several features and innovative options. They make it seamless for surgeons to perform their surgeries and operations.

3.    Emergency stretcher: As their name suggests, these are movable beds to take the patient quickly. They have smooth and fast wheels that can swiftly take you to the respective hospital room without wasting any time.

4.    Gynecological tables:  These make it easier for pregnant women to get in a comfortable position to deliver their babies. 

Conclusion

Patient positioning is a crucial venture that should be done with proper knowledge, understanding, and equipment. If you are looking for a top-tier supplier for hospital equipment, try Medwish.com. As one of the leading global B2B marketplaces for medical supplies, we can help you source high quality, affordable and efficient equipment for your practice.