A Trial of Staff Time With Proned Patients in the ICU Using the 'BathMat'
This study is about a new device called the 'BathMat', designed to help very sick patients in intensive care units (ICU). These patients often need to lie on their front, called 'proning', to help them breathe. Currently, this involves several staff regularly moving the patient's head and arms, which takes a lot of time and can be tricky for both patients and staff. The BathMat is an inflatable cushion that goes under the patient, allowing staff to move them more easily and safely, needing fewer people. This study will involve 30 patients across up to four hospitals to see how well the BathMat works, if it's safe, and if it saves time, ultimately aiming to improve care for these patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people are very sick in intensive care and have serious breathing problems, doctors sometimes position them on their front. This is called 'proning' and it can really help more oxygen get into their lungs. Patients can stay like this for many hours each day. While in this position, it's very important for nurses and doctors to gently move the patient's head and arms every few hours. This is to stop pressure sores and other problems from developing. Right now, this moving process requires a team of five or more healthcare staff, takes a long time, and can be quite difficult and potentially risky for both the patient and the staff.
A new device, like an inflatable cushion called the 'BathMat', has been developed to make this repositioning much simpler and safer. Instead of physically sliding the patient, the BathMat gently inflates and deflates, allowing staff to make the necessary movements without as much effort or risk. This means fewer staff are needed, and the process is quicker and more comfortable for everyone involved. The idea is that if repositioning is easier, it can be done more often, which could further reduce the risk of pressure sores and other complications.
The purpose of this study is to test the BathMat in a small number of hospitals with about 30 patients. Over 14 months, the research team will gather information to see how well the device works in a real-world setting. They will check if it's safe, if it helps save staff time, and collect feedback from both patients and staff. If the BathMat proves to be successful, the goal is to make it widely available to help many more patients in intensive care across the country.
Key takeaways
- A new device, the 'BathMat', is being tested for very sick intensive care patients.
- It helps reposition patients who need to lie on their front to breathe.
- The BathMat aims to make repositioning safer, easier, and quicker for staff.
- This could reduce pressure sores and free up staff time for other important care.
- The study will check the device's safety and effectiveness in up to four hospitals.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for patients who are seriously ill and are currently in intensive care. To be considered, you would need to be over 18 years old and be receiving help with your breathing using a machine, while also being sedated (meaning you're given medication to keep you calm or asleep).
You would not be able to join the study if you are awake or pregnant. Also, if you weigh more than 200 kg (about 31.5 stone) or are either very short (under 150 cm) or very tall (over 205 cm), you wouldn't be able to take part. Patients who have already been proned using the usual methods in their current hospital stay, or who have broken skin on their chest or belly area, would also not be suitable for this study.
- Are you over 18 years old?
- Are you currently in intensive care and need help breathing?
- Are you sedated by medication?
- Do you not have broken skin on your chest or belly?
- Are you not pregnant?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you are eligible and consent to take part, the BathMat device would be placed under you while you are in the intensive care unit. The healthcare team would then use the BathMat to help reposition your head and arms when needed, instead of using the current method.
No extra hospital visits are required beyond your usual care. The research team will observe how the BathMat works during your time in intensive care. After you leave the hospital, they may ask for your feedback. The study aims to gather information throughout your stay and will conclude after 14 months, collecting data from all participants during this time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- North Bristol TrustBristol, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'proning'?
Proning is when seriously ill patients in intensive care are gently turned to lie on their front to help them breathe better and get more oxygen.
What is the 'BathMat'?
The BathMat is an inflatable cushion designed to go under patients, making it easier and safer for staff to move their heads and arms when they are lying on their front.
Why is this study important?
This study aims to make care better and safer for very sick patients by testing a new device that can help prevent painful pressure sores and make staff's job easier.
Will I get special treatment if I join?
You will receive the same high-quality care as all intensive care patients. The difference will be how the staff reposition you while you are proned, using the BathMat.
Who is running this study?
A team of doctors and engineers developed the BathMat, and this study is being run by researchers in different hospitals to test its practical use.
How to find out more
Jerome Condry, MBBS
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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