Positioning patients in low awareness states in wheelchair and bed - Experiences of nurses and health care assistants (HCA's)

(Rasheed Meeran, Holy Cross Hospital, Haselmere)

This study aims to explore

1. Strategies nurses and Health Care Assistants (HCA's) follow when positioning patients in low awareness states in wheelchairs and in bed

2. Difficulties nurses and HCA's may encounter when positioning patients

3. Nurses' and HCA's view on the quality of the posture management training currently provided.

The main role of rehabilitation for patients in Low Awareness States is to maximise potential for recovery, maintain present physical status and to prevent deterioration. Immobility and sustained posturing may lead to soft tissue shortening, which can hinder effective seating and provision of hygiene (Singer et al 2001)

Nurses and HCA's play a pivotal role in the management of this patient group. Five to six mini focus group discussions will be conducted with nurses and HCA's with at least one-year experience. Discussions will be audio taped, transcribed and analysed using a ‘long table' approach (Kruger and Casey, 2000).