OUTPATIENT AND INPATIENT SUPPORT
SERVICES
BED MAKING
Definition
Bed making is the systematic process of preparing a patient's bed in a way that ensures
comfort, promotes hygiene, prevents complications, and meets the specific medical needs of
the patient. It is a fundamental skill in nursing and patient care that requires attention to
detail, adherence to infection control protocols, and consideration for patient safety and
dignity.
Types of Beds
i. Unoccupied Bed (Closed Bed)
Definition: A bed prepared for a new patient or for a patient who is out of bed (e.g.,
ambulatory, in a chair, or for procedures). The top covers are fully drawn up to the
head of the bed.
Sub-types:
o Simple Unoccupied Bed: Standard bed made with clean linens.
o Postoperative/Anesthetic Bed (Open Bed): A type of unoccupied bed
prepared to receive a patient from surgery (detailed separately below).
Clinical Context:
o Inpatient: Made upon patient admission or when the patient is out of the
room for extended periods (e.g., tests, therapy).
o Outpatient: Prepared in day-case units or recovery areas.
ii. Occupied Bed
Definition: A bed made while the patient is still in it. This technique is used for
patients who are on strict bed rest, are critically ill, paralyzed, or otherwise unable to
get out of bed.
Key Challenge: To provide clean linens while ensuring the patient's safety, privacy,
and comfort, and to avoid causing pain or exacerbating medical conditions.
Clinical Context: Almost exclusively an inpatient procedure requiring skilled care.
,iii. Postoperative Bed (Anesthetic Bed / Recovery Bed)
Definition: A special type of unoccupied bed prepared to receive a patient from the
operating room or a procedure. It is designed for easy patient transfer and immediate
access for medical care.
Key Features:
o The top sheets are fanfolded (folded into pleats) to the side or to the bottom of
the bed.
o The bed is left at a height that aligns with the stretcher for easy transfer.
o Extra blankets are readily available to prevent hypothermia.
o Bedside equipment is prepared: emesis basin, tissues, suction apparatus,
oxygen tubing, blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, and IV stand.
Clinical Context: Critical inpatient procedure in surgical wards and ICUs.
Purposes of Bed Making
To Provide Comfort: A clean, smooth, dry, and wrinkle-free bed promotes rest and
sleep, which is essential for healing.
To Maintain Hygiene: Removing soiled linens eliminates moisture, microorganisms,
and bodily fluids, reducing the risk of infection and cross-contamination.
To Prevent Complications: Tight, wrinkle-free sheets prevent skin irritation,
friction, and shear forces that contribute to pressure injury (bed sore) development.
To Adapt to Patient Needs: Special beds can be made to support specific medical
conditions (e.g., fracture bed with a bed board, cardiac bed with extra pillows).
To Create a Therapeutic Environment: A neat and well-made bed contributes to a
positive, professional, and orderly environment that promotes psychological well-
being for both the patient and their family.
Principles of Bedmaking
1. Infection Control:
o Perform hand hygiene before and after the procedure.
o Never shake linens in the air, as this disperses microorganisms and dust.
o Hold soiled linens away from your uniform. Place them directly into a linen
hamper—never on the floor or furniture.
o Use clean linens for each patient.
, 2. Patient Safety:
o Always lock the bed wheels before starting.
o Ensure the bed is at a safe and comfortable height to prevent caregiver back
strain and to safely assist the patient.
o During an occupied bed change, never leave the patient unattended and
ensure side rails are used appropriately.
3. Economy of Time and Energy:
o Collect all necessary linens and supplies before starting (bottom sheet, draw
sheet, top sheet, pillowcases, etc.).
o Use smooth, efficient movements. Plan your steps to avoid unnecessary trips
around the bed.
4. Comfort and Durability:
o Ensure all linens are clean, dry, and free of wrinkles and crumbs.
o Tuck linens securely using mitered corners at the foot of the bed to keep the
bed tight and neat, preventing it from coming loose easily.
5. Patient-Centered Care:
o Maintain the patient's privacy and dignity throughout the procedure by using
draping screens and minimizing exposure.
o Communicate with the patient, explain what you are doing, and ensure they
are comfortable.
Procedure of Making an Unoccupied Bed
Equipment: Bottom sheet (fitted or flat), water-proof draw sheet (if needed), top sheet,
blanket, bedspread, pillowcase(s), laundry bag or hamper.
Steps:
1. Preparation:
o Perform hand hygiene.
o Assemble all clean linens on a clean chair or table in the order of use.
o Adjust the bed to a flat position and to its highest working height. Lock the
wheels.
2. Stripping the Bed:
o Loosen all soiled linens from the mattress, starting at the head of the bed.
SERVICES
BED MAKING
Definition
Bed making is the systematic process of preparing a patient's bed in a way that ensures
comfort, promotes hygiene, prevents complications, and meets the specific medical needs of
the patient. It is a fundamental skill in nursing and patient care that requires attention to
detail, adherence to infection control protocols, and consideration for patient safety and
dignity.
Types of Beds
i. Unoccupied Bed (Closed Bed)
Definition: A bed prepared for a new patient or for a patient who is out of bed (e.g.,
ambulatory, in a chair, or for procedures). The top covers are fully drawn up to the
head of the bed.
Sub-types:
o Simple Unoccupied Bed: Standard bed made with clean linens.
o Postoperative/Anesthetic Bed (Open Bed): A type of unoccupied bed
prepared to receive a patient from surgery (detailed separately below).
Clinical Context:
o Inpatient: Made upon patient admission or when the patient is out of the
room for extended periods (e.g., tests, therapy).
o Outpatient: Prepared in day-case units or recovery areas.
ii. Occupied Bed
Definition: A bed made while the patient is still in it. This technique is used for
patients who are on strict bed rest, are critically ill, paralyzed, or otherwise unable to
get out of bed.
Key Challenge: To provide clean linens while ensuring the patient's safety, privacy,
and comfort, and to avoid causing pain or exacerbating medical conditions.
Clinical Context: Almost exclusively an inpatient procedure requiring skilled care.
,iii. Postoperative Bed (Anesthetic Bed / Recovery Bed)
Definition: A special type of unoccupied bed prepared to receive a patient from the
operating room or a procedure. It is designed for easy patient transfer and immediate
access for medical care.
Key Features:
o The top sheets are fanfolded (folded into pleats) to the side or to the bottom of
the bed.
o The bed is left at a height that aligns with the stretcher for easy transfer.
o Extra blankets are readily available to prevent hypothermia.
o Bedside equipment is prepared: emesis basin, tissues, suction apparatus,
oxygen tubing, blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, and IV stand.
Clinical Context: Critical inpatient procedure in surgical wards and ICUs.
Purposes of Bed Making
To Provide Comfort: A clean, smooth, dry, and wrinkle-free bed promotes rest and
sleep, which is essential for healing.
To Maintain Hygiene: Removing soiled linens eliminates moisture, microorganisms,
and bodily fluids, reducing the risk of infection and cross-contamination.
To Prevent Complications: Tight, wrinkle-free sheets prevent skin irritation,
friction, and shear forces that contribute to pressure injury (bed sore) development.
To Adapt to Patient Needs: Special beds can be made to support specific medical
conditions (e.g., fracture bed with a bed board, cardiac bed with extra pillows).
To Create a Therapeutic Environment: A neat and well-made bed contributes to a
positive, professional, and orderly environment that promotes psychological well-
being for both the patient and their family.
Principles of Bedmaking
1. Infection Control:
o Perform hand hygiene before and after the procedure.
o Never shake linens in the air, as this disperses microorganisms and dust.
o Hold soiled linens away from your uniform. Place them directly into a linen
hamper—never on the floor or furniture.
o Use clean linens for each patient.
, 2. Patient Safety:
o Always lock the bed wheels before starting.
o Ensure the bed is at a safe and comfortable height to prevent caregiver back
strain and to safely assist the patient.
o During an occupied bed change, never leave the patient unattended and
ensure side rails are used appropriately.
3. Economy of Time and Energy:
o Collect all necessary linens and supplies before starting (bottom sheet, draw
sheet, top sheet, pillowcases, etc.).
o Use smooth, efficient movements. Plan your steps to avoid unnecessary trips
around the bed.
4. Comfort and Durability:
o Ensure all linens are clean, dry, and free of wrinkles and crumbs.
o Tuck linens securely using mitered corners at the foot of the bed to keep the
bed tight and neat, preventing it from coming loose easily.
5. Patient-Centered Care:
o Maintain the patient's privacy and dignity throughout the procedure by using
draping screens and minimizing exposure.
o Communicate with the patient, explain what you are doing, and ensure they
are comfortable.
Procedure of Making an Unoccupied Bed
Equipment: Bottom sheet (fitted or flat), water-proof draw sheet (if needed), top sheet,
blanket, bedspread, pillowcase(s), laundry bag or hamper.
Steps:
1. Preparation:
o Perform hand hygiene.
o Assemble all clean linens on a clean chair or table in the order of use.
o Adjust the bed to a flat position and to its highest working height. Lock the
wheels.
2. Stripping the Bed:
o Loosen all soiled linens from the mattress, starting at the head of the bed.
