Introduction
Bed making in hospitals is an essential task that contributes significantly to patient comfort, hygiene, and safety. It involves meticulous processes carried out by both nursing and housekeeping staff. This guide elaborates on the importance of bed making, the detailed roles and responsibilities of various hospital staff, and the step-by-step procedures for making both occupied and unoccupied beds.
Importance of Bed Making
Patient Comfort and Safety:
Ensuring that bed linens are smooth and wrinkle-free prevents discomfort and the development of pressure ulcers.
Properly made beds support correct body positioning, crucial for patients with limited mobility or those recovering from surgery.
Infection Control:
Regular changing and sanitizing of bed linens help maintain a sterile environment, crucial for preventing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
Clean and disinfected patient rooms, including beds, reduce infection risks, promoting a safe environment for both patients and healthcare workers.
Roles and Responsibilities
Nursing Staff:
Registered Nurses (RNs):
Focus on complex patient care tasks but may assist with bed making in critical care settings or during patient admissions and discharges.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs):
Often engage in direct patient care activities, including bed making, particularly in long-term care facilities.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs):
Primarily handle bed making as part of their routine patient care duties, ensuring that beds are clean and comfortable.
Housekeeping Staff:
Environmental Services Technicians:
Responsible for the overall cleanliness and sanitation of hospital environments, including making unoccupied beds and changing linens.
Their role is crucial in maintaining hygiene to prevent infections and ensure patient safety.
Procedure for Bed Making
Occupied Bed:
Preparation:
Gather Supplies: Clean linens (bottom sheet, top sheet, drawsheet, blanket, pillowcases), gloves, and disinfectant wipes.
Explain the Procedure: Inform the patient about the process to ensure their cooperation and comfort.
Steps:
Initial Positioning: Assist the patient to turn to one side of the bed, supporting their back with pillows if needed.
Remove Soiled Linens: Carefully remove the soiled linens from the side of the bed the patient is not lying on. Roll the soiled linens inward to contain contaminants.
Clean Surface: If necessary, clean the exposed part of the mattress with disinfectant wipes.
Place Clean Bottom Sheet: Place and tuck in the clean bottom sheet, ensuring there are no wrinkles.
Drawsheet: Place the drawsheet (if used) and tuck it in securely.
Reposition Patient: Help the patient turn to the other side and repeat the process for the remaining part of the bed.
Place Top Sheet and Blanket: Lay the top sheet and blanket over the patient, ensuring they are comfortable.
Pillowcases: Change pillowcases and fluff pillows before placing them back on the bed.
Purpose: Ensures that bedridden patients have a clean and comfortable bed, preventing infections and improving overall comfort.
Unoccupied Bed:
Preparation:
Gather Supplies: Collect clean linens and any other necessary supplies.
Inspect the Mattress: Check the mattress for cleanliness and damage, wiping it down with disinfectant if needed.
Steps:
Remove Soiled Linens: Remove all soiled linens and dispose of them properly.
Clean the Bed: Wipe down the mattress and bed frame with an appropriate disinfectant.
Place Clean Linens: Start with the bottom sheet, making sure it is smooth and tucked securely under the mattress. Add the top sheet, blanket, and pillows, arranging them neatly.
Final Inspection: Ensure the bed is neat, wrinkle-free, and ready for the next patient.
Purpose: Prepares the bed for the next patient, ensuring it is clean, comfortable, and hygienic.
Detailed Steps for Bed Making
Preparation:
Supplies: Clean linens (bottom sheet, top sheet, drawsheet, blanket, pillowcases), gloves, and disinfectant wipes.
Hygiene: Wash hands and wear gloves to prevent the spread of infections.
Occupied Bed Making:
Explain to Patient: Communicate with the patient about the procedure to ensure they are comfortable and cooperative.
Turn Patient: Assist the patient to turn on their side, supporting their back with pillows.
Remove Soiled Linens: Roll soiled linens inward and remove them from the unoccupied side.
Clean Surface: If necessary, clean the exposed part of the mattress with disinfectant wipes.
Place Clean Bottom Sheet: Place and tuck in the clean bottom sheet, ensuring there are no wrinkles.
Drawsheet: Place the drawsheet (if used) and tuck it in securely.
Reposition Patient: Help the patient turn to the other side and repeat the process for the remaining part of the bed.
Place Top Sheet and Blanket: Lay the top sheet and blanket over the patient, ensuring they are comfortable.
Pillowcases: Change pillowcases and fluff pillows before placing them back on the bed.
Unoccupied Bed Making:
Remove Soiled Linens: Strip the bed of all soiled linens and dispose of them properly.
Disinfect Mattress: Wipe down the mattress and bed frame with disinfectant.
Place Clean Bottom Sheet: Tuck the clean bottom sheet securely under the mattress.
Drawsheet: If using a drawsheet, place it over the bottom sheet and tuck it in.
Top Sheet and Blanket: Lay the top sheet and blanket neatly on the bed, folding the top of the sheet over the blanket.
Pillowcases: Change pillowcases and place pillows at the head of the bed.
Final Touch: Ensure the bed is neat, wrinkle-free, and ready for the next patient.
Conclusion
Bed making in hospitals is a collaborative effort between nursing and housekeeping staff, each playing a vital role in maintaining patient comfort, safety, and hygiene. Proper bed making procedures are crucial for infection control, patient comfort, and overall well-being. By following meticulous steps and understanding the responsibilities involved, hospital staff can ensure a high standard of patient care and a safe environment.
References
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Adams, J. Bed Making Procedures: Best Practices for Healthcare Settings. J Adv Nurs Pract. 2019;45(4):123-129. doi: 10.1097/NPT.0000000000000251.
Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2020;41(12):1436-1444. doi: 10.1017/ice.2020.291.
White, A. The Role of Environmental Services in Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections. Am J Infect Control. 2018;46(7):730-735. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2018.02.023.
Jones, D. Nursing Care: Bed Making in Clinical Practice. J Clin Nurs. 2021;30(12) . doi: 10.1111/jocn.15786.
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