Bedwisseling

Bedwisseling is a Dutch term that literally means bed exchange and is used in healthcare and related sectors to refer to two related practices: moving a patient from one bed to another, and changing the bedding on a bed. In clinical settings, bedwisseling usually denotes the transfer of a patient between beds or locations within a facility, for reasons such as clinical needs, isolation precautions, bed availability, or patient comfort. It involves careful planning, risk assessment, and the use of appropriate equipment (transfer sheets, slide sheets, hoists or lift devices) and staff assistance. Safety and patient dignity are priorities, and documentation is typically required to reflect the change in location and status.

In the context of caregiving and housekeeping, bedwisseling can also mean replacing or laundering the bed linens and refreshing the bed coverings. This process aims to maintain hygiene, prevent infection, and ensure the patient or resident has clean linens. It involves removing soiled linens, cleaning the bed area, and applying fresh sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. Privacy, hygiene, and cross-contamination controls are important considerations.

The exact meaning of bedwisseling depends on the setting and local usage. Some institutions use more specific terms such as patient transfer or bed linen change to avoid ambiguity. See also bedmaking, patient transfer, infection prevention, and housekeeping protocols.