WOC nurses as advocates for patients who are morbidly obese: a case study promoting the use of bariatric beds

Abstract

Wound, ostomy, and continence nurses and healthcare providers are encountering more than ever before patients who are morbidly obese. Patients who are immobile and morbidly obese are at increased risk for complications such as skin breakdown. Strategies to predict and prevent skin and wound complications should include properly sized bariatric beds. Bariatric beds greatly reduce the risk of pressure ulcers through pressure reduction. They also promote patient independence, improve clinical outcomes, decrease staff workload, and help control unnecessary healthcare costs. The purpose of this article is to increase wound, ostomy, and continence nurses' awareness about the benefits of bariatric beds and some important issues that surround their use.