From the Research
Bedfast and bedridden are essentially synonymous terms that describe a person who is confined to bed due to illness, injury, or disability, with the key difference being that bedfast tends to imply a temporary condition, while bedridden suggests a longer-term or chronic condition. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they both indicate that the person requires assistance with daily activities such as feeding, bathing, and toileting while in bed. According to a recent study 1, the distinction between being bedfast and bedridden is not always clear-cut, and the terms are often used to describe a range of mobility limitations.
The study 1 highlights the importance of understanding the implications of bedriddenness for nursing and care, particularly for older people in long-term care. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to improve mobility and prevent complications such as pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, and pneumonia. Another study 2 found that the incidence of major immobility complications, including pressure ulcers and deep vein thrombosis, was higher in wards with inadequate nurse staffing and lower professional titles of nurses.
Key factors that contribute to the development of complications in bedridden patients include:
- Immobility and its duration
- Age and plasma D-dimer level, as identified in a study 3 as independent risk factors for deep vein thrombosis
- The presence of underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease
- The quality of care and nursing resources available to the patient
Proper care and management of bedridden patients are crucial to preventing complications and improving outcomes, and should include regular turning and positioning, physical therapy exercises, and attention to nutrition and hydration. Healthcare providers should use evidence-based guidelines, such as those outlined in a study 4, to inform their decision-making and ensure that patients receive high-quality, patient-centered care.