A Flotation Bed – Putting Pain in Parentheses

Context

The Bellerive hospital receives patients in palliative care and in medical rehabilitation, for example to recover after a neurological event. The pain felt by these patients is intense and unrelenting. Relaxation in a warm bath is often very effective but is not an option for patients who cannot be put in contact with water or be handled (delicate undressing/dressing).

Project

The project entails a flotation bed that offers the same advantages as a bath, but without water. The patient floats on a flat surface and is separated from comfortably warm water by only a flexible film. Perceived weight is divided by 7. Placed in a calm and relaxing ambiance, bathed in soft lights, patients can forget their pain a little.

project manager

Ms. Huguette Guisado, Nurse Assistant Manager of Care, Department of Rehabilitation and Palliative Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals
Ms. Cécile Rossier-Lopez, Administrative assistant, Management Division, Department of Rehabilitation and Palliative Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals