Turning and repositioning: the repeated risk in bedside care

A routine task with real risk

Turning and repositioning are fundamental parts of patient care. They support comfort, hygiene, clinical access, positioning and pressure-care strategies.

However, these tasks can also expose healthcare workers to repeated pushing, pulling, reaching and awkward postures, particularly when the patient has limited mobility or cannot assist.

Why the risk can be overlooked

A major patient transfer is usually recognised as a manual-handling activity. Turning a patient in bed may be viewed as routine care.

The physical demand of repositioning can increase when:

• the patient is dependent on staff assistance
• the worker must reach across a wide bed
• space is restricted by equipment or furniture
• the task requires sustained holding
• friction between the patient and support surface is high
• the movement is repeated frequently

The risk does not need to arise from one dramatic event. Repeated exposure across a shift can also contribute to physical strain.

Plan the movement before starting

Before turning or repositioning a patient, consider:

• the purpose of the movement
• the patient's ability to participate
• the number of staff required
• the position and height of the bed
• lines, drains or other clinical equipment
• the intended final position
• whether a handling aid can reduce friction or improve control

The patient should also be informed about the movement wherever possible so they can participate safely and understand what is happening.

Use equipment as part of the workflow

Appropriate repositioning equipment may help reduce the physical effort required and support a more controlled movement.

The selected solution should suit the clinical task. Equipment intended for lateral transfer may not always be the best option for controlled turning, while a turning aid may not be suitable for movement between surfaces.

Recognising turning and repositioning as defined workflows helps clinical teams select the right equipment and apply a more consistent approach to bedside handling.