Evaluation of night time therapeutic positioning system for adults with complex postural problems

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of night-time positioning sleep systems for adults using the Simple Stuff Works Limited® system. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods were used to assess the impact on a variety of factors; pain, physiological observations, oxygen saturation, nutrition and fluid intake, weight, Waterlow risk score, sleep score, choke risk score, skin integrity, comfort and quality of life. The project objectives were to: Evaluate the knowledge and skills of care staff in the delivery of night-time positioning (with and without equipment). Evaluate the equipment used in night-time positioning. Assess the impact of night-time positioning on activities of daily living. Measure the difference between pain, sleep scores, physiological observations, oxygen saturation, nutrition and fluid intake, weight, Waterlow risk score, choke risk score, skin integrity, comfort and quality of life before and after the intervention. The role of the company in the study was to provide the equipment. An independent clinician assessed the participants sleep system equipment requirements, demonstrated the first fitting and drew up the plan of care when using the equipment. Ethical approval to conduct the study was sought and granted by the University of Salford Ethics committee (see appendices, for the letter of approval).