Development of an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for prone positioning in acute respiratory distress syndrome for the pediatric patient

Abstract

Research utilization is the critical link in the integration of research and clinical practice. Improvements in care delivery and patient outcomes are among the primary reasons for conducting nursing research, but this scientific knowledge must be translated into practice to be of value (Titler, 1994). Prone positioning for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as been described in the literature since 1974 (Froese & Byran), as a low cost, low risk, non-invasive management strategy, yet the implementation of this modality has been slow to enter the care plans in the management of ARDS. This practicum project ''Development of an Evidence Based Clinical Practice Guideline for Prone Positioning in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome for the Pediatric Patient'' will examine and critique the research to date and formulate these findings into a practice based document. The clinical practice guideline (CPG) will be examined as to its' fit within the organization and culture of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Children's Hospital. Research utilization must be incorporated into the climate of the organization to achieve a successful implementation. Knowledge obtained from research is not 'patient ready'; it must be transformed into clinical innovations specific to the patient population, clinical situation and institutional setting (Leske, Whiteman, Friechels & Pearcy, 1994).