By physiotherapist Peter Maindal
February 2014
There seems to be some hesitation towards positioning. It is very unfortunate because positioning has great advantages – for both bedridden people and care-givers.
Therefore demystification is needed, in order for positioning to become a natural part of the daily care.
That is perhaps a trite question, but also a question with a variety of attitudes towards. I would define it as the way you lie in the bed.
" Positioning is the way you lie in the bed. "
That means, the way bedridden people are placed in bed is a form of positioning; even though it does not involve any kind of cushions, pads or wedges etc.
When working with positioning, the purpose should be clear from the beginning. There can be a number of different reasons for working with positioning. It can be to increase bedridden people's comfort or to create boundaries. It can be to create local pressure relief or all-round support of the body. It can also be about pain relief or creating a better basis for respiration. Finally it is about appropriately positioning bedridden people in connection to various procedures in bed – e.g. lower hygiene procedures.
There are many purposes for positioning and in many cases it will be a combination of several. Altogether, positioning is about ensuring the best care and comfort for bedridden people.
Positioning is of decisive importance – not only for bedridden people’s well-being and comfort, but in particular also in connection to treatment- or healing processes. The consequence of inadequate positioning can have an impact on the disease progression, and the need for positioning must therefore always be assessed.
Consequently, I think positioning of permanently bedridden people should be a focus area in line with wounds, incontinence and nutrition!
" Positioning of permanently bedridden people should be a focus area in line with wounds, incontinence and nutrition! "
Read the next article about positioning: Why is positioning important?
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