5 Essential Insights About Manual Hospital Patient Beds

As the CEO of a business that specializes in hospital equipment, I’ve seen a dramatic shift in the demand for reliable, high-quality manual hospital patient beds. Many healthcare providers, especially those in developing markets, are increasingly looking for cost-effective solutions that can still meet strict quality standards. In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about manual hospital patient beds, their advantages, and how they fit into today’s healthcare environment.

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Manual hospital patient beds, despite the rise of electric models, continue to offer a balance of simplicity, durability, and affordability for healthcare providers worldwide. This blend of functionality and cost-efficiency is exactly what procurement officers like Mark Shenng—who’s in charge of acquiring hospital equipment—are looking for when sourcing hospital beds from countries like China and Vietnam.

But why are manual hospital beds still a relevant choice in an age of automation and technology? Let’s break it down.

What are the key features of a manual hospital bed?

A manual hospital bed offers straightforward functionality with mechanical adjustments made using hand cranks. The most common features include adjustable backrests, footrests, and height settings, all controlled manually. This simplicity reduces the chance of electrical malfunctions and provides a cost-effective solution for hospitals operating on tighter budgets.

When talking with potential customers, I always emphasize that while electric beds offer more convenience, manual hospital beds can be more reliable and easier to maintain in environments where technical expertise or spare parts may be harder to come by.

Why choose a manual hospital patient bed over an electric one?

The decision often comes down to cost and reliability. Electric beds might offer automated features that make life easier for medical staff, but they come at a premium and require regular maintenance. Manual beds, on the other hand, are sturdy, need fewer repairs, and are not subject to power outages. For large-scale buyers like Mark, who distributes medical equipment in various regions, these factors are vital.

The manual hospital patient bed is also more versatile in terms of settings. In areas where electricity is unreliable or in facilities with budget constraints, these beds can continue to function efficiently, making them the preferred choice for many buyers.

Are manual hospital beds compliant with modern healthcare standards?

This is a common question, especially from procurement officers working with strict regional health guidelines. Manual hospital beds, like the ones we produce at AMIS, come with the necessary certifications for global distribution. We ensure that our products meet ISO standards for medical devices and offer comprehensive quality assurance processes.

While certification fraud is a real concern in the industry, it’s crucial to vet suppliers meticulously. Procurement officers like Mark, who have been burned by fraudulent certifications in the past, need to focus on suppliers with transparent processes and proven records of compliance.

What maintenance is required for manual hospital beds?

Manual hospital beds are relatively low maintenance compared to their electric counterparts. Regular lubrication of mechanical parts and periodic inspections are generally enough to ensure longevity. This is another reason why many of my clients, especially those running facilities in developing nations, prefer manual beds—they are easier and cheaper to maintain over time.

Having spare parts on hand, such as cranks and joint connectors, ensures that repairs can be quickly and efficiently carried out without specialized technical support. In fact, we offer a spare parts kit with every purchase, which has been a game-changer for many of our clients.

How do manual hospital beds improve patient comfort?

Despite the absence of electronic controls, manual beds still offer significant comfort for patients. Adjustable backrests and leg support allow caregivers to position patients according to their medical needs. These adjustments are particularly important for long-term patients or those recovering from surgeries.

The key difference is that caregivers need to manually crank the bed to adjust positions. While it requires more physical effort, manual beds can still provide the same comfort levels as electric beds, especially when used with high-quality mattresses and bedding materials.

What should you consider when purchasing Manual Hospital Patient Beds?

When selecting a manual hospital bed, focus on these key factors:

1. Durability and Material Quality: Ensure the bed frame is made of high-quality materials like stainless steel or coated metal that won’t corrode or degrade over time. Our beds at AMIS, for example, are made of durable materials that last for years in demanding hospital environments.
2. Ease of Adjustment: Look for beds with user-friendly crank mechanisms. Some manual beds are easier to adjust than others, and smooth operation is vital for patient care.
3. Compliance and Certifications: Always verify the certifications of the bed manufacturer to avoid fraudulent claims. Working with suppliers who have a solid reputation, like our company AMIS, ensures you get the product quality you need.
4. Logistics and Delivery: Slow delivery times can lead to stock shortages in hospitals. This is a major pain point for buyers like Mark. We’ve worked hard to ensure that our logistics are seamless and that our products arrive on time, preventing costly delays.

Are manual hospital beds environmentally friendly?

Another factor to consider is the environmental impact. Manual beds use no electricity, which can help hospitals reduce their carbon footprint. In an era where sustainability is becoming more important, this feature can be a significant selling point. Fewer electrical components also mean less waste and fewer materials needed for repairs and replacements.

This aligns with our sustainability goals at AMIS, where we aim to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly solutions in healthcare equipment. It’s another reason why manual beds are an appealing option for hospitals looking to lower operational costs while also being environmentally responsible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, manual hospital patient beds offer a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for healthcare facilities worldwide. Whether you’re a procurement officer like Mark or a hospital administrator, manual beds provide the durability, functionality, and ease of use that modern healthcare demands.

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By choosing a supplier who prioritizes quality, certification, and reliable logistics, you can ensure your healthcare facility is well-equipped to handle patient needs without breaking the bank.

If you’re considering manual hospital beds for your next purchase, feel free to reach out to us at AMIS. We’re always here to help guide you through the selection process, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

3.5 Positioning Patients in Bed

Positioning a patient in bed is important for maintaining alignment and for preventing bed sores (pressure ulcers), foot drop, and contractures (Perry et al., ). Proper positioning is also vital for providing comfort for patients who are bedridden or have decreased mobility related to a medical condition or treatment. When positioning a patient in bed, supportive devices such as pillows, rolls, and blankets, along with repositioning, can aid in providing comfort and safety (Perry et al., ).

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Patient Positions in Bed

Positioning a patient in bed is a common procedure in the hospital. There are various positions possible for patients in bed, which may be determined by their condition, preference, or treatment related to an illness. Table 3.6 lists patient positions in bed.

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Table 3.6 Patient Positions in Bed

Position

Description

Supine position Patient lies flat on back. Additional supportive devices may be added for comfort. Prone position Patient lies on stomach with head turned to the side. Lateral position Patient lies on the side of the body with the top leg over the bottom leg. This position helps relieve pressure on the coccyx. Sims position Patient lies between supine and prone with legs flexed in front of the patient. Arms should be comfortably placed beside the patient, not underneath. Fowler’s position Patient’s head of bed is placed at a 45-degree angle. Hips may or may not be flexed. This is a common position to provide patient comfort and care. Semi-Fowler’s position Patient’s head of bed is placed at a 30-degree angle. This position is used for patients who have cardiac or respiratory conditions, and for patients with a nasogastric tube. Orthopneic or tripod position Patient sits at the side of the bed with head resting on an over-bed table on top of several pillows. This position is used for patients with breathing difficulties. Trendelenburg position Place the head of the bed lower than the feet. This position is used in situations such as hypotension and medical emergencies. It helps promote venous return to major organs such as the head and heart. Data source: ATI, a; Perry et al., ; Potter et al.,

Moving a Patient up in Bed

When moving a patient in bed, perform a patient risk assessment prior to the procedure to determine the level of assistance needed for optimal patient care. If a patient is unable to assist with repositioning in bed, follow agency policy regarding “no patient lifts” and the use of mechanical lifts for complex and bariatric patients. See Checklist 25 for the steps to move a patient up in bed.

Checklist 25: Moving a Patient Up in Bed

Disclaimer: Always review and follow your hospital policy regarding this specific skill.

Safety considerations: 

• Perform hand hygiene.
• Check room for contact precautions.
  
• Introduce yourself to patient.
• Confirm patient ID using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth).
• Listen and attend to patient cues.
• Ensure patient’s privacy and dignity.
• Assess ABCCS/suction/oxygen/safety.
  
• Ensure tubes and attachments are properly placed prior to the procedure to prevent accidental removal.
• Ensure patient has a draw sheet or a friction-reducing sheet on the bed prior to repositioning.

Steps

 Additional Information

1. Make sure an additional health care provider is available to help with the move.

This procedure requires two health care providers.

2. Explain to the patient what will happen and how the patient can help.

Doing this provides the patient with an opportunity to ask questions and help with the positioning.

3. Complete risk assessment (Checklist 24) of patient’s ability to help with the positioning.

This step prevents injury to patient and health care provider.

4. Raise bed to safe working height and ensure that brakes are applied. Health care providers stand on each side of the bed.

Principles of proper body mechanics help prevent MSI.

Safe working height is at waist level for the shortest health care provider.

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5. Lay patient supine; place pillow at the head of the bed and against the headboard.

This step protects the head from accidentally hitting the headboard during repositioning.

6. Stand between shoulders and hips of patient, feet shoulder width apart. Weight will be shifted from back foot to front foot.

This keeps the heaviest part of the patient closest to the centre of gravity of the health care providers.

7. Fan-fold the draw sheet toward the patient with palms facing up.

This provides a strong grip to move the patient up using the draw sheet.

8. Ask patient to tilt head toward chest, fold arms across chest, and bend knees to assist with the movement. Let the patient know when the move will happen.

This step prevents injury from patient and prepares patient for the move.

9. Tighten your gluteal and abdominal muscles, bend your knees, and keep back straight and neutral.

The principles of proper body mechanics help prevent injury.

10. On the count of three by the lead person, gently slide (not lift) the patient up the bed, shifting your weight from the back foot to the front, keeping back straight with knees slightly bent.

The principles of proper body mechanics help prevent injury.

11. Replace pillow under head, position patient in bed, and cover with sheets.

This step promotes comfort and prevents harm to patient.

12. Lower bed, raise side rails as required, and ensure call bell is within reach. Perform hand hygiene.

Placing bed and side rails in safe positions reduces the likelihood of injury to patient. Proper placement of call bell facilitates patient’s ability to ask for assistance.

Hand hygiene reduces the spread of microorganisms.

Data source: Perry et al., ; PHSA,

Watch these three videos for more information about how to move a patient up in bed.

Positioning a Patient to the Side of the Bed

Prior to ambulating, repositioning, or transferring a patient from one surface to another (e.g., a stretcher to a bed), it may be necessary to move the patient to the side of the bed to avoid straining or excessive reaching by the health care provider. Positioning the patient to the side of the bed also allows the health care provider to have the patient as close as possible to the health care provider’s centre of gravity for optimal balance during patient handling. Checklist 26 describes how to safely move a patient to the side of the bed.

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