• Good positioning can minimise secondary complications of physical impairment and contribute to improved functional outcome. This is important for maintaining the best possible quality of life.
  • Team work: A multidisciplinary team approach is helpful in ensuring that the person with physical impairments is provided with the most appropriate support for positioning. It is important that the person, family members and carers are all viewed as key members of the team.
  • Education of all members of the team is important to ensure good positioning; all members of the team need to be fully aware of the principles of positioning and use of appropriate equipment. Good communication is essential.
  • Regular changes of position are necessary over the entire 24 hour period: positioning is an ongoing and dynamic process. Normally people are able to move around and adjust positions throughout the day and night but support must be provided for those with physical impairments. It is therefore important to have a planned approach to positioning.
  • It is important to refer to appropriate specialists for assessment and advice e.g. Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist, mobility centres, specialist seating services and bioengineering services.