Layflat seating offers a range of benefits for individuals in a hospital environment; whether they are recovering from a serious illness or injury or simply seeking to improve their comfort and well-being.
Here are some of the key advantages of layflat seating:
Early Mobilisation: Restoring functional mobility and independence in patients is crucial in order to accelerate the recovery process. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of early mobilisation in patients in ICU, neuro, frailty units and high dependency.*
Improved comfort and positioning: Layflat chairs are a type of adjustable chair that allows patients to be positioned in a variety of ways, including lying flat on their backs, sitting upright, or reclining at an angle. This can help to improve patient comfort and reduce the risk of pressure sores.
Mobility: Unlike beds, Layflat Seating enables patients to be moved easily – the patient can simply be moved from ward to ward, or outside to a critical care garden (‘garden power’). Studies show the therapeutic benefits of moving patients around and outside, “The fresh air and the daylight has reminded them of all the things they are missing and acts as a spur to their recovery”.^
Improved respiratory function: The option of layflat or tilt-in-space seating can help improve lung function by enabling deeper breathing. This is crucial for individuals with respiratory problems, as it promotes better oxygenation and reduces the risk of complications.
Enhanced circulation: Layflat seating can improve circulation throughout the body by elevating the legs and feet, which can help reduce swelling and improve oxygen delivery to the tissues.
Facilitated rehabilitation: Layflat chairs can be used to help patients with rehabilitation exercises. For example, patients can use the footrests and armrests to support themselves while standing or transferring to and from the chair.
Improved manual handling: By enabling the Layflat function on a care chair and pairing it up next to a hospital bed, the HCP is able to pat slide the patient from bed to chair, further enabling early mobilisation. It is also far easier to position and care for patients with less strain on the back.
Reduced pressure sore risk: Layflat seating can help reduce the risk of pressure sores by distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure on specific areas of the skin. This is essential for individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility.
Increased independence and activity: Layflat seating can promote independence and activity by allowing individuals to move around more freely and perform daily tasks without assistance. This can significantly improve their overall quality of life and reduce the burden on caregivers.
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* 210317- Early-mobilisation-1-risk-factors-complications-and-costs-of-immobility.pdf
^ https://www.medscape.co.uk/viewarticle/covid-19-therapeutic-benefits-secret-icu-gardens
