Authors (including presenting author) :
Hung YL, Leung HK, Cheng KY
Affiliation :
Medicine & Geriatric, United Christian Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Patient bed accessories
Keyword 2: :
Equipment matching
Keyword 3: :
Colour coding system
Keyword 4: :
Manual handling
Keyword 5: :
Injury on Duty (IOD) prevention
Keyword 6: :
Health care innovation
Introduction :
In acute and rehabilitation wards, multiple models of patient beds and their corresponding accessories (e.g. IV poles and lifting poles) commonly coexist. These accessories from different bed models often share similar appearance and design, making it difficult and time‑consuming for staff to identify the correct match, especially when equipment is stored together in a central area.
Lifting poles are particularly heavy. Each instance of mismatching and subsequent replacement requires repeated Manual Handling Operation (MHO), which increases staff exposure to Injury on Duty (IOD) related to heavy lifting.
Objectives :
•To implement a simple, standardized method to facilitate correct matching of bed accessories to different bed models.
•To improve staff efficiency in locating and pairing bed accessories.
•To reduce unnecessary MHO and the associated risk of IOD.
Methodology :
A colour coding and labelling system was developed as an economical and practical solution to enhance quick visual identification of bed accessories.
•Four colours (blue, yellow, red, silver) were assigned to four coexisting models of patient beds.
•Matching colour labels were attached to the IV poles, lifting poles and foot panels of the corresponding beds.
•A two‑page illustrated reference guide, showing photos of each bed model and its matching accessories, was displayed prominently in the accessory storage area. After implementation, nursing staff and health care assistants were invited to complete an online survey to evaluate usability, perceived impact on efficiency, and perceived impact on IOD risk related to MHO.
Result & Outcome :
•All respondents agreed that the Colour Coding System made matching beds with their corresponding accessories easier, more efficient and intuitive to use.
•Most respondents (88.9%) agreed that the system could reduce MHO–related IOD by minimizing unnecessary movement of mismatched, heavy accessories.
•Overall, all respondents expressed a positive attitude towards the system and supported its continued use. Conclusion A simple colour coding and labelling system for patient beds and accessories effectively improved staff efficiency and confidence in equipment matching. Survey findings suggest that this low‑cost intervention has the potential to reduce MHO–related IOD by avoiding unnecessary lifting and repositioning of heavy accessories. The approach is easily scalable and can be adapted to other wards with multiple bed models and shared equipment.
