Bed articles for nursing care – state of the art in two German hospitals

Background. Bed articles are basic instruments for positioning. Research about this topic has concentrated on evidence for better practice. However, little is known about what practitioners really do.

Aims and objectives. This study intended to identify the most common bed articles used for positioning in two German hospitals, and to determine the decision-maker for their application and the purposes and criteria for their choice.

Methods. Nursing experts from 100 wards were interviewed with the help of a structured questionnaire and based on these data a list of the 10 most frequent devices was compiled.

Results. Supporting the body position was the most frequent intervention performed by German nurses, mainly with the help of hydraulic beds, pillows and blankets. Nurses were the main decision-makers for the use of these bed articles. Their choice was mainly based on work experience and patients’ desires. Guidelines and literature played a minor role in this process.

Relevance to clinical practice. If nurses, despite the medical doctors’ role as the main decision-maker in German hospitals, exert significant influence on this aspect of care, they can support their position by evidence-based practice.