Review article
https://doi.org/10.64542/pc1.19.9
TThe impact of positioning and respiratory physiotherapy on clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients– a systematic review
Dijana Filipović
orcid.org/0009-0000-8865-337X
; University Hospital Center Zagreb
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction: Patients on mechanical ventilation in intensive care units often experience complications such
as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), prolonged hospitalization, and pressure ulcers. Patient positioning and respiratory physiotherapy are increasingly recognized as key non-pharmacological interventions that can influence
treatment outcomes. Aim: The aim of this paper was to investigate the impact of positioning and physiotherapy interventions on clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted
in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, Physiopedia, and CRORIS for the period from January 1, 2015., to May 31, 2025. Combined MeSH terms and free text key words were used, following the PICO framework. A total of 18 original studies meeting the predetermined quality criteria were included. Review articles, and those unrelated to the topic were excluded.
Results: The analysis showed that combined interventions such as prone positioning and respiratory physiotherapy
significantly reduced the duration of mechanical ventilation, incidence of VAP, and overall length of hospital stay. The
most positive outcomes were observed in interventions that included active physiotherapy combined with targeted
positioning. Conclusion: Positioning and respiratory physiotherapy are effective, safe, and clinically justified interventions
that significantly improve treatment outcomes. Their systematic implementation in intensive care protocols is
recommended.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
346249
URI
Publication date:
3.10.2025.
Visits: 114 *