Manuscript Title:

RESPIRATORY THERAPIST LED SUCTIONING AND POSITIONING STRATEGIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Author:

AATEKA HASSAN ALAALI, ABEER HASSAN ALKHAMIS, INSHERAH ABDULLAH ABU DEEB, FATIN FAHAD ALDENAINI, SAEED MOHAMMED ALBUHAYRI, TARIQ AYED ALSHARARI, ZAINAB ABDULLAH KAHLINI, MAWAHEB BAQER AL HASHEM

DOI Number:

DOI:10.5281/zenodo.16143627

Published : 2025-07-23

About the author(s)

1. AATEKA HASSAN ALAALI - Clinical Resource Nurse, Labor and Delivery, Nursing Department, Immamam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital, Ministry of National Guard, Eastern Region Dammam.
2. ABEER HASSAN ALKHAMIS - Staff Nurse 1, PHc Nursing Department, Ministry of National Guard, Immam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital, Eastern Region Dammam.
3. INSHERAH ABDULLAH ABU DEEB - Staff Nurse 1, Nursing Department, Immam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital, Ministry of National Guard, Eastern Region Dammam.
4. FATIN FAHAD ALDENAINI - Pediatrics Consultant, Pediatric Department, Immam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital, Ministry of National Guard, Eastern Region Dammam.
5. SAEED MOHAMMED ALBUHAYRI - Anesthesia Technician ll, Anastgesia Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital, Ministry of National Guard, Eastern Region Dammam.
6. TARIQ AYED ALSHARARI - Anesthesia Technician ll, Anesthesia Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital, Ministry of National Guard, Eastern Region Dammam.
7. ZAINAB ABDULLAH KAHLINI - Staff Nurse 1, Outpatient Department, Nursing Department, Imam Abdulrahma Bin Faisal Hospital, Ministery of National Guard, Eastern Region- Dammam.
8. MAWAHEB BAQER AL HASHEM - Medication Safety Nurse, Nursing Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Eastern Region Dammam.

Full Text : PDF

Abstract

Background: Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is a life-threatening condition encountered in critical care settings. Non-pharmacologic interventions patient positioning and airway suctioning are essential components of ARF management. Respiratory therapists had a key role in delivering these strategies prone positioning and suctioning techniques. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines to evaluate studies on respiratory therapist-led suctioning and positioning strategies in ARF management. Literature was searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2003 and 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on original research of adult patients with ARF or ARDS where suctioning or positioning was implemented by respiratory therapists. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Four studies evaluated awake prone positioning (APP) in non-intubated patients, and three studies focused on suctioning techniques. APP show reduced intubation rates in selected populations in COVID-19 patients managed with high-flow nasal cannula therapy. Adherence to prone protocols was a critical factor influencing outcomes. Closed suction systems (CSS) were superior to open suction systems (OSS),preserving end-expiratory lung volume and minimizing physiological disturbances. CSS was associated with improved cardiopulmonary stability and fewer complications compared to OSS. Conclusion: Respiratory therapist-led suctioning and positioning strategies, APP and closed suctioning, were beneficial in ARF management. These interventions improve oxygenation, reduce intubation rates, and preserve lung mechanics. Optimal results depend on protocol adherence, patient selection, and therapist expertise. Further high-quality studies are needed to standardize these interventions and expand their applicability across varied clinical settings.


Keywords

Acute Respiratory Failure, Prone Positioning, Suctioning, Respiratory Therapist, Ards, Closed Suction System, Oxygenation.