Therapeutic positioning in neurological rehabilitation: A staff evaluation of current practice

Keywords: Positioning, Neurological rehabilitation, Positioning resources Purpose: conditions frequently result in physical impairments which make it difficult to maintain or change posture. Therapeutic positioning enables an individual a good postural alignment without excessive muscular activity and is considered important the management of people with severe neurological impairments. Achieving optimal lying can be challenging often external support provided by use practical ranging from items comprehensive systems. Evidence evaluation limited current practice poorly documented. This study aimed explore staff views experiences on regional Rehabilitation Unit (NRU) focus lying. Methods: Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were completed purposive sample nursing therapy staff. The audio recorded, transcribed then inductive thematic analysis was used generate themes sub-themes data. Participant cross checking interview summaries one third transcripts second researcher utilised validate findings. Trust service approval University Health Ethics Review Panel granted written consent gained all participants. Results: Twelve participants took part representation from; physiotherapists (3), occupational therapists (2), assistants registered general nurses (2) health care / assistant practitioners (3). identified six key themes: Patient Needs, Role, Communication, Knowledge, Experiences Practical Resources. recognised as integral roles component rehabilitation. A multi-faceted interaction between patient complexity, available time within role, role decision-making, communication knowledge impacted positioning. Three groups identified: bed linen, T-rolls sleep clear hierarchy these emerged appeared influenced ease perceived benefits use. Conclusion(s): participants’ around provides valuable insight into this aspect practice. However, demonstrates practice, not necessarily best effectiveness described based upon participant rather than formal evaluation. Future studies are needed formally evaluate resources, variety settings, order develop models Knowledge effective aspects teamwork successful positioning, acknowledged barrier both. Impact: has feedback NRU studied recommendations how gaps reduced improved. Whilst that focused single rehabilitation setting, influences may applicable other settings. Furthermore information collected potential assist development future studies. Funding acknowledgements: work for Clinical Academic Internship joint funded Central Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation