How bed technology in emerging hospitals can help patients rest more easily and recover faster
The hospital bed and support surfaces are the basis of every inpatient inpatient experience and play a crucial role in nursing outcomes. Despite the necessity, beds and surfaces are not always subject to proportional attention and innovation, even if the risks associated with long-term bed rest remain a key focus for caregivers. It has been shown that new innovations on the frame and surface can reduce the burden on caregivers and mitigate patient outcomes by helping caregivers lie in bed, move and recover faster.
Issues of increasing concern: Falls, stress injuries and infections
Every year, more than 700,000 patients fall and 3 million people suffer from bed rest every year in U.S. hospitals. The consequences of fall-related injuries were linked to an increase in cost of more than $62,000 per injury, with affected reimbursement and extended residence time rising to six to eight days, the study found.
The mattress covers another potential patient injury path. Most hospital mattresses are built with top cover materials that break over time and are exposed to the harsh chemical cleaners used in hospitals. Damage-protective top cover capability allows patient fluid to penetrate the support surface core that can hide pathogens, increasing the risk of healthcare-related infections (HAIS). A study that evaluates beds and mattresses in U.S. hospitals found that nearly half of the mattresses’ integrity damage damage, nearly half of which require immediate lids and all mattresses need to be replaced.
Supporting innovation in ground structures and materials is crucial due to the potential risk of harm to patients and caregivers.
The value of innovation
It is increasingly proven that advanced materials and innovative architectural design in hospital bed technology help prevent HAIS, stress injuries and falls. Comprehensive safety features such as automatic locking breaks, side rail repositioning and early alarm alarms can support better patient outcomes and reduce the burden on bedside caregivers. New slide technology and ultra-low bed heights provide greater mobility control and help minimize the impact of potential falls. Strengthening foot boards can enable patients to start weight exercises earlier, which can help with faster recovery. These safety advancements can support better recovery, reduce the risk of complications, and ultimately help patients set out faster.
Outside the framework, the patient’s surface deserves attention. Investing in durable surfaces built with RF welded joints results in fewer alternatives over time, especially those that wear faster than outdated models. Newer materials and chemically resistant coatings can better withstand frequent disinfection while maintaining surface integrity, preventing the mattress from inlets for liquid and contaminants.
Surface selection is important to ensure the correct combination of surfaces to support different levels of acuity. Traditional beds usually rely on basic foam mattresses, which are less effective in pressure redistribution. Compared to inflatable alternatives, a study published in PubMed Central found that foam mattresses increase the risk of pressure damage. The innovative hybrid surface automatically adjusts pressure in real time without manual repositioning of the patient. For example, while caregivers typically resettle patients every two hours to prevent pressure damage, advanced equipment that balances pressure redistribution and moisture control can enable caregivers to focus on other important needs without compromising the safety of their patients.
Clinical providers and caregivers understand the link between device design and clinical outcomes. As hospitals experience financial stress and a nationwide staff shortage, investing in the right medical equipment at the bedside can reduce the burden of time, cost and risk for care teams and patients.
Photos: FS production, Getty Images
Bettyann Bird is Chief Strategy Officer of Agiliti. Prior to joining Agiliti, Bettyann served as Vice President of Marketing for Carefusion Global Distribution Business. She has held numerous executive leadership roles in the healthcare industry, including President and CEO of Estudysite, and President of Cardinal Health’s consulting and services business. Prior to that, Bettyann held leadership positions at Deloitte Consulting and Ernst & Young. She worked as a trauma and intensive care nurse in health care in early years. Bettyann received a Bachelor of Nursing from Texas Christian University and a Bachelor of MBA from Baylor University.
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