Evaluation of a Low Pressure Air Chamber Turning and Positioning System: A Survey of Clinicians

Regular turning and proper positioning are crucial for pressure injury (PI) prevention and management. Repetitive positioning of patients, commonly involved in carrying out these procedures, is associated with a risk of back injuries among healthcare providers that, in turn, can result in high-impacting socio-economic costs for providers and payers.
A clinicians’ survey was performed to evaluate the ‘real world’ performance and safety of a low-friction mat* (designed to promote pressure redistribution via envelopment) that is equipped with reinforced handles to facilitate safe positioning for caregivers.

Device users based in acute care settings across three states were identified and asked to complete the survey, in order to capture their experience with the device and to rate its performance using a balanced 5-point Likert scale (‘Very good’, ‘Good’, ‘Acceptable’, ‘Poor’, ‘Very poor’). Data were transcribed into Microsoft Excel® for reporting the descriptive statistics.

There were 46 respondents (80% were nurses/nursing assistants; 20% were staff from rehabilitation services and clinical supervisors. The respondents had, on average, 11 (range 1-40) years of clinical experience with turning and positioning. The device’s eight performance measures were well recognised by the majority of respondents. For example, the device was rated as positive (combining ‘Very good’ and ‘Good’) in terms of patient turning (87%), repositioning (85%), and keeping immobile patients in position when turned (72%). Less effort required to turn and position patients was commonly reported. Respondents perceived that the use of the device led to lower PI occurrence in their unit.      

The survey indicates that the device is safe to use and performs as intended in turning and repositioning in the acute care setting. The respondents pointed out reduced back strain during patient handling with the device, which warrants further focused research on occupational safety.

Trademarked Items (if applicable): *Tortoise Turning and Positioning System (Mölnlycke)

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