Journal of Clinical Medicine
Current Practices of Prone Positioning in ARDS Reported by European ICU Clinicians (CUPIDO)—A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Survey
By Fabian Gleibs, Markus Haar, Denise Battaglini and 7 others.
Abstract
Background
Prone positioning improves survival in patients with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), yet its implementation in routine clinical practice remains poorly characterized. We conducted a survey to assess contemporary prone positioning practices and their heterogeneity in the management of ARDS across European intensive care units (ICUs).
Methods
A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among clinicians involved in ARDS management between March and August 2025. The survey was developed by a panel of experts in intensive care medicine and underwent testing for face and content validity prior to dissemination. The questionnaire was distributed through European networks, including the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM), the PROtective VEntilation Network (PROVE Network), the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC), and national societies.