Patient Repositioning Slings: Do they interfere with Support Surfaces When kept under the patient?

Patient repositioning slings are recommended to stay under dependent patients to prevent caregiver injury, to safely turn and reposition, and to decrease shear force and injuries. Bed manufacturers instruct clinical staff to limit linen between the patient and the mattress to maximize the benefits of the support surface. Two hours in a single position is the maximum duration of time recommended for patients with normal circulatory capacity, which is effectively achieved with the use of a patient lift. A case analysis was completed by measuring temperature and pressure on various support surfaces with an assortment of patient repositioning slings. Utilizing a pressure mapping mat and a mat for medical temperature testing an analysis measured the baseline temperature and pressure of adult female on various support surfaces with the head of the bed at 30 degrees. Subsequent measurements were made of these 2 metrics with a solid polyester repositioning sling, mesh sling and disposable sling. The various support surfaces with and without the slings were compared and did not demonstrate any significant difference in pressure or temperature. Visual mapping show areas of increased pressure and temperature on bony landmarks, however, no changes were noted with the addition of various repositioning slings. Keeping the repositioning sling under the patient is advantageous to provide patient care providers with a tool which is readily available to assist in the repositioning of the patient on a frequent basis. Lifting the patient for repositioning on the bed reduces the shear force on the patient and reduces risk of caregiver injury. Need for continued research to validate the findings that continued usage of a patient repositioning sling on various support surfaces does not negatively impact the microclimate of skin, increase the risk of pressure ulcer development, or prevent the healing of pressure ulcers.