Night-Time Positioning for Children with Postural Needs: What is the Evidence to Inform Best Practice?

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a review of the literature concerning the assessment and provision of night-time positioning for children with postural needs. The aim of the review was to source and evaluate the evidence available for the efficacy of current treatments and to establish best practice.

There is a small but growing body of evidence demonstrating that night-time positioning is beneficial to children with postural needs when used within a child and family centred 24-hour postural management programme. Children and families need timely assessment and provision of equipment, together with appropriate training and support to learn to use night-time positioning equipment effectively.

Occupational therapists have a distinct role in the assessment and provision of night-time positioning equipment and need to be both skilled in assessment and knowledgeable about postural management and the equipment available. This review of literature suggests that further research is required to strengthen the evidence for the efficacy of night-time positioning equipment and to guide therapists in best practice.