COVID-19 has brought many challenges to our health care systems along with the need for resources for health care providers to help care for the unique needs of this population. One of the complications that COVID-19 patients are at risk for is the development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and the need for passive ventilation. Studies have shown that prone positioning of the patient with severe ARDS can provide protective lung ventilation, improve oxygenation and drainage of secretions.
One of the potential complications of prone positioning is the risk for developing pressure injuries. The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) has developed a pressure injury resource for healthcare providers caring for patients requiring extended periods of prone positioning. This free resource can be downloaded and printed online.
The Washington State Hospital Association is committed to bringing you the most current resources in this ever-changing health care climate. If you have any questions about pressure injury prevention, please contact Amy Anderson at AmyA@wsha.org.
