Beds used at a university hospital--a study of functions, problems and requirements

The comfort and functional features of hospital beds are of fundamental importance to both the patients and staff on the ward. This study investigates the types and functions of the beds used at a large university hospital in Sweden, how the head nurses experienced and valued the hospital beds in their wards, and whether the nurses were familiar with standards, regulations and purchasing routines. An inventory of all the beds for adult patients was carried out in all 55 somatic wards. Interviews were conducted with 49 head nurses, and, for comparison purposes, with one purchaser as well as one expert nurse at the Gothenburg Medical Service Administration. The inventory reveals that the different wards have very similar kinds of beds regardless of specialty or caring needs. The head nurses stated that the beds were seldom ideal and that they themselves have little influence when new purchases are made. It is concluded that the head nurses have a considerable knowledge of the functions of hospital beds, which ought to be put forward in stronger terms and which should also be taken into account when new beds are purchased and designed.