Then we changed our process so everyone is on the same page at
the same time, and now our team is as in synch as the London
Symphony Orchestra. The new approach starts at the patient's head
and moves down step by step to the feet to ensure everything is
7 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A R C H 2 0 1 9
Over the years, we've
developed some
minor positioning
tweaks that have a
major impact on
patient safety. Just so
happens that 2 of our
favorites rely on bed-
ding:
• Sheet support.
Because we use a Jackson frame for our prone positioning, the
patient's abdomen has the potential to hang down during sur-
gery. That results in all the venous blood pooling directly to the
lowest point, the abdomen. To prevent this from happening and
provide extra support, we place a sheet under the patient's
abdomen. The sheet rests on the chest pad at the top of the
patient and on the hip pad at the lower end, and is secured by the
patient's own weight.
• Pillow talk. Sheets aren't the only bedding we use as a posi-
tioning hack; we also rely on pillows. To prevent pressure on the
patient's toes from pressing directly against the table, we place 2
to 3 pillows under the shins to ensure the heels are elevated
throughout surgery. — Denise M. Lawyer, BSN, RN, CNOR
Prone Positioning Bedding Hacks
• PUT YOUR FEET UP A simple way to eliminate dangerous pressure on a
prone patient's toes is by placing a few pillows under his shins.
MINOR MODIFICATIONS
