prone positioning protocols

Prone positioning involves carefully turning patients onto their stomachs to improve lung function, especially in cases like severe COVID-19 pneumonia. This technique helps redistribute airflow and blood flow within the lungs, allowing better oxygen exchange. Medical teams follow specific protocols to ensure safety, comfort, and effectiveness, including monitoring vital signs, protecting pressure points to prevent skin injuries, and coordinating timing for the position changes. Typically, patients are placed prone for several hours at a time, with the process guided by healthcare providers to optimize respiratory support and improve outcomes.