Evidence-Based Cognitive Aid for Correct Patient Positioning in the Operating Room

Abstract

All members of the perioperative team share responsibility to prevent patients from iatrogenic complications, particularly during patient positioning in the operating room. Incorrect patient positioning during surgery can have permanent and life-altering implications, specifically related to peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs). This Doctor of Nursing Practice project focused on the creation of an evidence-based cognitive aid to educate and assist the perioperative health care team members (PHTMs) to properly position patients for surgical procedures to enhance patient safety and assist in the prevention of the development of a peripheral nerve injury. Based on multiple in-depth conversations with anesthesiologists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Morbidity and Mortality conferences, there appears to be a need to focus on the prevention of PNIs in the perioperative period