Feasibility and Limitations of Proning Protocol for Nonintubated Patients With COVID-19

Benjamin Shoults BA; Mary Barber BS; Lucia Millham BA; Maaz Mulla BS; Natasha Nanji BS; Grant Steele BA; Tyler Peck MD; Patrick Smithedajkul MD; Christopher Worsham MD; Paul Currier MD, MPH; Rebecca A Raphaely MD

doi:10.1177/2374373520981486

Journal of Patient Experience (Jan 2021)

Feasibility and Limitations of Proning Protocol for Nonintubated Patients With COVID-19

Benjamin Shoults BA,
Mary Barber BS,
Lucia Millham BA,
Maaz Mulla BS,
Natasha Nanji BS,
Grant Steele BA,
Tyler Peck MD,
Patrick Smithedajkul MD,
Christopher Worsham MD,
Paul Currier MD, MPH,
Rebecca A Raphaely MD

Affiliations

Benjamin Shoults BA: Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
Mary Barber BS: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
Lucia Millham BA: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
Maaz Mulla BS: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
Natasha Nanji BS: Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
Grant Steele BA: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
Tyler Peck MD: Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
Patrick Smithedajkul MD: Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
Christopher Worsham MD: Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
Paul Currier MD, MPH: Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
Rebecca A Raphaely MD: Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2374373520981486
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 8

Abstract

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Proning awake patients with COVID-19 is associated with lower mortality and intubation rates. However, these studies also demonstrate low participation rates and tolerance of awake proning. In this study, we attempt to understand barriers to proning. Medical and dental students surveyed nonintubated patients to understand factors affecting adherence to a proning protocol. Only patients who discussed proning with their medical team attempted the practice. Eight of nine patients who were informed about benefits of proning attempted the maneuver. Discomfort was the primary reason patients stopped proning. Addressing discomfort and implementing systematic patient education may increase adherence to proning.

Published in Journal of Patient Experience

ISSN: 2374-3735 (Print); 2374-3743 (Online)
Publisher: SAGE Publishing
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine: Medicine (General)
Website: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/jpx

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