Effectiveness of the Innovative Cushion for Head and Arm Support Sideways Pose for Kidney Position Surgery

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Positioning for kidney surgery (kidney position) is a complicated position for surgery. There is a risk of complications from incorrect posture and it increases the cost of more materials being used to help with posture. Thus, the study team developed the innovative cushion for head and arm support for kidney position surgery and assessed the effectiveness of this new innovative cushion to enhance patient care. 

Methods: This study is a descriptive retrospective design that collected data from June 2016 to December 2020. The innovative cushion was implemented as a standard practice in anesthetic services during this period. The study comprises demographic information of patients undergoing kidney surgery, a questionnaire assessing the effectiveness of innovative cushion based on user feedback, report on incidence data resulting from the use of innovative cushion from anesthesia records, post-anesthesia visits within 24 hours after surgery and the quantity of clean green cloths used for patient positioning per patient.

Results: A total of 79 patients undergoing kidney surgery were 51% male with an average weight of 62.16 ± 11.44 kilograms; the mean of BMI ± SD and median (min-max) were 23.78 ± 3.68 and 23.52 (16.38 ± 31.60). Mostly ASA classification II was 62%; the mean and median time required for surgical positioning were 20.31 ± 4.56 and 20.00 (15–30) minutes. The effectiveness of the innovative cushion was evaluated by users in terms of reducing hassle, reducing time while posing and helping to maintain proper posture, and users that rated satisfied with the use of innovative cushions at the high to highest level in every topic was more than 95%, and no incidence of complications was found. Reducing the number of large, clean green cloths used on average for each patient from six to two pieces.

Conclusions:  Innovative cushion for head and arm support used for positioning patients undergoing kidney surgery help to position the patient appropriately, safely, and with satisfaction when using them for kidney surgery. Reducing the workload of personnel and the cost of materials that can be used to position the patient.