Patient Turning Device: Types, Uses, and Safety

Quick answer: A patient turning device can reduce friction or physical effort during repositioning, but the correct aid, number of caregivers, and technique must come from an individual handling plan.

What the device is designed to do

A patient turning device is a positioning aid used to reduce friction, improve grip, or provide mechanical assistance while a person is repositioned in bed. Examples include slide sheets, low-friction tubes, turning wedges, draw sheets, transfer boards for selected tasks, and powered lateral-transfer or repositioning systems. These products are not interchangeable: a device intended to roll someone in bed may not be approved to lift, transfer, or leave beneath the person.

Start with an individual handling plan

Before using any apparatus for turning a patient in bed, assess the person's weight-bearing ability, cognition, pain, fractures, lines and drains, skin condition, breathing, and ability to follow instructions. The bed height, available space, device weight limit, mattress, and number of trained helpers also matter. Follow the care plan, the manufacturer's instructions, and local safe-patient-handling policy. If two caregivers or a mechanical lift are required, a small aid does not make a one-person maneuver safe.

A safer turning sequence

1. Explain the move and obtain consent when possible.

2. Lock the bed, clear tubing, and place the bed at a safe working height.

3. Position the approved aid without dragging fragile skin.

4. Coordinate the move with a clear count and keep the caregiver's load close.

5. Recheck alignment, comfort, breathing, heels, bony areas, lines, and bed rails.

6. Remove any aid that is not approved to remain in bed and document the repositioning plan.

What to avoid

Do not pull on arms, shoulders, clothing, catheters, or bed rails.

Do not twist while bearing the person's weight.

Do not use an unlabelled product or exceed its stated capacity.

Do not assume a turning aid prevents pressure injuries by itself.

Repositioning frequency and position should be individualized. Stop if the person develops sudden pain, breathing difficulty, dizziness, new weakness, skin injury, or device entrapment. Seek clinical help when the move exceeds the caregiver's training or equipment.

Sources

https://www.osha.gov/healthcare/safe-patient-handling

https://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/moving-handling.htm

https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/hospital/resource/pressureulcer/tool/index.html