Compliance to the Seated Position

Getting a patient into a chair as part of a progressive mobility protocol presents a set of risks not only to the patient, but also to healthcare workers. Guidelines recommend repositioning to reduce the amount of time and pressure patients are exposed to in order to minimize pressure ulcer risk.¹ The seated position, while promoting many physiological benefits, is a high pressure activity over a bony prominence, increasing the risk of pressure ulcer development.¹ The use of pressure redistributing devices can help reduce this risk for the seated patient.²

Repositioning also puts healthcare workers at risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as low back pain, sciatica, rotator cuff injuries, epicondylitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.³ Guidelines recommend reducing the physical requirements of high risk tasks through the use of Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) Technology.⁴

REFERENCES: 1. National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. Prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers: clinical practice guideline. Washington DC: National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 2009;16-18. 2.Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society, Guideline for prevention and management of pressure ulcers, 2010:96. 3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Guidelines for nursing homes: ergonomics for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, 2009:4,5. 4. American Nurses Association (ANA) Draft Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) National Standards, 2012:15.