The GRAVITY of Patient Migration

Turning and Repositioning systems that can help facilitate smooth boosts and seamless patient turns are necessary in the current healthcare climate.

Gravity. It’s the force that keeps us grounded. It’s also, however, the force that causes patients to slide in the bed. And while it is not uncommon for patients to migrate down on a surface, it can pose a problem for the skin. Elevating the head of the bed provides comfort, but it also makes conditions prime for sliding.

As a patient slides the pressure on the pelvis, coccyx, and sacrum increases. Interface pressure between skin and surface soars. But nurses can’t just pull patients back up to the head of the bed. For starters, heavy handling of fragile skin can lead to tears due to friction and shear forces. And caregivers are going to get hurt.

Repositioning (or boosting) patients along with frequent and timely turns, however, are important tasks in a patient’s care plan. So, caregivers had to find a way. Enter drawsheets.
Drawsheets have been used to move patients in the past, mainly out of convenience. They live under the patients. But the drawback on draw sheets is their potential to harm the caregiver.
Musculoskeletal injuries are high among nursing staff. But if patient migration is hard to avoid and patients need to be turned regularly, what can possibly be done?

Friction-reducing turning and repositioning sheets are a great place to start. Effectively moving patients without incident and injury. Like a pro! Bonus points if the sheet can safely live underneath the patients to be ready at a moment’s notice. Handles and extended straps can also help caregivers maintain a safe and comfortable grip without forcing awkward postures or adverse body mechanics.

Turning and Repositioning systems that can help facilitate smooth boosts and seamless patient turns are necessary in the current healthcare climate. Because caregivers should not be collateral damage in good patient care. Explore ergonomic options for safe patient handling. Let us help you turn your patients like a PRO!

https://www.woundsresearch.com/article/failure-reposition-after-sliding-down-bed-increases-pressure-sacrum-and-heels
https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/84190-draw-sheets-shown-to-be-lateral-transfer-hazard
https://www.myamericannurse.com/sliding-patient-respond-prevent-migration-bed/