Rationale: Because of its' potential to impact staff and patients alike, it was determined that we needed to solicit valuable information from the end-user experts, rather than just rely on a financial decision for this large scale purchase. By involving staff, it would allow us to solicit their participation in an organized formalized trial.

Method: A twenty three question survey was devised with questions rating nursing ergonomics, ease of use, and patient safety. A multi-disciplinary approach was taken for the evaluation that included nursing staff, non-licensed aids, occupational therapists and physical therapists. Every two weeks 2 beds from Brand A and Brand B were placed on units in a rotating fashion, and were trialed in actual patient use by the staff. Both a standard surface and a pressure reducing surface were available for each brand. Surface related comments were requested as a written remark in effort to solicit additional feedback.

Outcome: The data was assimilated and presented in a formal, objective manner, resulting in a consistent purchase of this long-term capital acquisition of specialty beds across the enterprise. This was done with consideration to: • Prevention of skin integrity breakdown from shearing, friction and pressure; • Caregiver ergonomics for moving, transferring, and ministering to the patient; and • Elements to provide safety and prevent falls for the patient and caregiver.