Aims: This review explored the evidence relating to prone positioning in ventilated patients diagnosed with respiratory failure, including acute lung injury (ALI) or adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Background: Mortality rates for ventilated patients with ALI or ARDS are high, and there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the position these patients are nursed in may influence clinical outcomes. However, there are no guidelines to inform nursing practice in positioning these patients. Method: Medline, Scopus, Cinahl and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for original research reports or systematic reviews of evidence between 2000 and 2009. Reference lists of retrieved papers were hand searched and included studies were analysed using the Critical Appraisal and Skills Programme framework. A narrative data synthesis considered the strengths and limitations of studies, and findings were collated and interpreted. Results: Application of the search strategy identified a systematic review, currently underway, which has not yet reported and 14 relevant studies eligible for inclusion in this review. Analysis showed considerable variation in study design, but suggests that PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio, incidence of VAP and mortality may be positively affected by prone positioning. Conclusions: Evidence of the clinical benefits associated with prone positioning is inconclusive and provides little guidance for nursing practice. There is a need for further research into the clinical outcomes of prone positioning, and greater understanding of the practicalities of prone positioning critically ill patients is required. Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses have a central role to play in the continual assessment and management of this patient group, including the position they are nursed in, not only to ensure the best clinical outcomes but also to provide care and comfort to the patient and their family. It is therefore important that their nursing practice and interventions are informed by the best available evidence.

In part 2 of a series on practical aspects of research, Sarah Watmough, Maria Flynn, Angie Wright and Kathryn Fry consider the role of the nurse in research and examine the differences in roles and responsibilities of the ‘Research Nurse’ and the ‘Nurse Researcher

In this first part of a series on practical issues in research from the point of view of the cardiac nurse, Maria Flynn, Sarah Watmough, Angie Wright and Kathryn Fry introduce the wider context of research in the NHS, and highlight the importance of a clearly defined research question

In part 3 of a series on practical aspects of research, Angie Wright, Maria Flynn, Sarah Watmough and Kathryn Fry outline the key principles of research ethics and consider the implications for cardiac nurses in ensuring ethical practice in health research

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