The Development of a Novel Positioning System to Improve Pulmonary Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients

An automated inflatable repositioning device was created in this study for use in the developmentally supportive care of premature neonates. Inflatable air cells were used to achieve the safe positioning of these patients. The system is comprised of two pumps, four valves and four inflatable air cells that safely and slowly direct the air flow into the desired air cells by means of an Arduino Uno and a multi-directional control switch in order to obtain safe and proper positioning. Range of motion testing was conducted and it was discovered that this system is successful in achieving a sufficient range of motion in order to safely position the manikin. A pressure sensor was also connected to the system to measure the amount of pressure in the air cells over time during inflation. From this testing, it was found that the system is successful in inflating the air cells in a slow and controlled manner. Additionally, four NICU nurses from the Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children tested the device and a survey was conducted to obtain feedback about the performance of the system. Overall, the device created was found to be successful in achieving positions in four directions in a safe, slow and controlled manner by means of an easy to use system that has the potential to be integrated into current neonatal health care technology.