Organisation and delivery of a dedicated multidisciplinary prone ventilation team in the intensive care unit: Strategies and lessons from COVID-19

PLoS One. 2023 Dec 28;18(12):e0296379. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296379. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 placed immense strain on healthcare systems, necessitating innovative responses to the surge of critically ill patients, particularly those requiring mechanical ventilation. In this report, we detail the establishment of a dedicated critical care prone positioning team at University Hospital Southampton in response to escalating demand for prone positioning during the initial wave of the pandemic.

Methods: The formation of a prone positioning team involved meticulous planning and collaboration across disciplines to ensure safe and efficient manoeuvrers. A comprehensive training strategy, aligned with national guidelines, was implemented for approximately 550 staff members from a diverse background. We surveyed team members to gain insight to the lived experience.

Results: A total of 78 full-time team members were recruited and successfully executed over 1200 manoeuvres over an eight-week period. Our survey suggests the majority felt valued and expressed pride and willingness to participate again should the need arise.

Conclusion: The rapid establishment and deployment of a dedicated prone positioning team may have contributed to both patient care and staff well-being. We provide insight and lessons that may be of value for future respiratory pandemics. Future work should explore objective clinical outcomes and long-term sustainability of such services.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Prone Position
  • Respiration, Artificial
  • SARS-CoV-2

Grants and funding

The authors received no specific funding for this work.