The staff's satisfaction with the hospital bed.
OBJECTIVE
To determine how nurses experience the functions of hospital beds and the bedside equipment when performing specified common nursing tasks.


BACKGROUND
The hospital bed is an important working tool for the nursing staff but few studies have focused on hospital beds at acute wards.


METHODS
Data was collected with questionnaires answered by 74 registered and enrolled nurses from three Departments.


RESULTS
The bed was frequently used when performing nursing tasks with patients in bed, but the manoeuvring features were difficult to adjust, resulting in unsatisfactory working postures. Transporting the patient in bed and cleaning of the bed were the most troublesome tasks. The bed clothes were often experienced as unsatisfactory for their patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The beds have serious deficiencies. It is imperative to improve them, as a good physical milieu positively influences the working conditions of the staff.
Petzäll
K
K
Department of Caring Sciences, Mälardalen University, Box 883, S-721 23 Västerås, Sweden.
Berglund
B
B
Lundberg
C
C
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001512:Bedding and Linens / Q000592:standards; D001513:Beds / Q000592:standards*; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000379:methods; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis