The staff’s satisfaction with the hospital bed

Aim  To determine how nurses experience the functions of hospital beds and the bedside equipment when performing specified common nursing tasks. Background  The hospital bed is an important working tool for the nursing staff but few studies have focused on hospital beds at acute wards. Method  Data was collected with questionnaires answered by 74 registered and enrolled nurses from three Departments. Findings  The bed was frequently used when performing nursing tasks with patients in bed, but the manoeuvring features were difficult to adjust, resulting in unsatisfactory working postures. Transporting the patient in bed and cleaning of the bed were the most troublesome tasks. The bed clothes were often experienced as unsatisfactory for their patients. Conclusions  The beds have serious deficiencies. It is imperative to improve them, as a good physical milieu positively influences the working conditions of the staff.