Objective To understand the cognition, attitude and current practice status of ICU medical staff in Bengbu City regarding the implementation of high lateral position, and analyze its influencing factors.

Methods By using the convenience sampling method, a self-developed high lateral position questionnaire was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among ICU medical staff in 7 hospitals in Bengbu City, covering 4 aspects and 55 questions.

Results A total of 222 questionnaires were retrieved, among which 220 were valid. The score of knowledge dimension was 76.33 points, with a score rate of 64.72%. The score of attitude dimension was 93.27 points, with a scoring rate of 87.64%. The score of behavioral dimension was 71.05 points, with a score rate of 60.36%. Whether one was a member of the respiratory team was an independent risk factor affecting the mastery of knowledge related to the high lateral position by medical staff. The years of working in the ICU and whether there were full-time respiratory therapists in the department were the independent risk factors affecting the attitude of medical staff towards the implementation of the high lateral position. Whether one was a member of the respiratory group was an independent risk factor affecting the implementation of high lateral position behavior by medical staff (P ＜ 0.05).

Conclusions The knowledge level of ICU medical staff regarding the implementation of high lateral position needs to be improved, but their attitude is relatively positive. Therefore, ICU medical managers should combine theory with clinical practice to train medical staff and enhance their awareness.