LAMATISTE ENNETAMISEKS KASUTATAVAD ASENDID JA ASENDIVAHETUSE SAGEDUS
Positions used for the prevention of pressure ulcers and frequency of repositioning
Larisa Opikova, Marit Kiljako
Abstract The objective of the present thesis is to describe the positions used and the frequency of repositioning needed to prevent pressure ulcers. The research tasks were 1) to describe the positions and the effectiveness of different positions for the prevention of pressure ulcers and 2) to describe the frequency of repositioning. The present thesis is a critical review of evidence-based literature. The results of research articles and one thesis, as well as the relevant guidelines and books were used for data collection. To search for appropriate literature, the following search criteria were defined: peer-reviewed, full text available, compliance with the topic and objective of the thesis, and published between 2006 and 2016. The majority of the research articles are in English and a few are in Estonian. In order to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, patients need to be placed in correct positions. For people who take care of patients to be able to do so, exact descriptions of the positions are needed. In literature, descriptions of the following positions are available: supine position, side-lying position, prone position, and sitting position. Descriptions of most positions are insufficient. Repositioning is an important measure for the prevention of pressure ulcers in patients with restricted movement and activity. Many authors recommend a repositioning interval of two hours; however, the benefits do not outweigh the 252
