Positioning Chronically Immobile and Terminally-Ill Patients

Overview

Aim:
The aim of this work was to determine whether the nursing procedures described in the standard textbooks reflect the specific health problems experienced by chronically immobile and terminally-ill patients.

Introduction:
Chronically immobile patients and those in the terminal phases of serious illnesses tend to be affected by a number of changes in the musculoskeletal system and often suffer neuropathic pain. Positioning and manipulating such people requires a specific approach which places extra demands on carers.

Methodical process and results:
An analysis was carried out of commercially available study materials in the field of nursing describing the methods used to position and manipulate patients. It was found that these methods do not take account of the specific pathological changes that accompany chronic immobility or the terminal phases of life.

Discussion:
The work provides a detailed description of the pathological conditions (immobilization syndrome, hemiplegic shoulder pain, allodynia) requiring a specific approach by nursing staff and carers. It gives a detailed methodical guide to manipulating and positioning chronically immobile and terminally-ill patients. Special attention focuses on the importance of communication with patients.

Conclusion:
When providing healthcare to chronically immobile and terminally-ill patients it is essential to respect the specific pathological changes, which require an increased degree of caution and care for the patient.

Keywords:
patients positioning, immobility, terminal phase of life, neuropathic pain, allodynia