What is the recommended frequency for repositioning a patient?

Repositioning a patient is critical for preventing pressure injuries and maintaining skin integrity, especially for those who are immobile or on bed rest. The recommended frequency for repositioning a patient is at least every 2 hours. This is because the skin can begin to experience pressure damage after just a couple of hours of continuous pressure, particularly over bony prominences where the skin is thinner.

Reassessing the patient every couple of hours allows for the redistribution of weight and alleviates prolonged pressure on any one area, which plays an essential role in promoting circulation and overall skin health. Repositioning every hour may be more frequent than necessary for some patients and could lead to caregiver fatigue, while repositioning just once a day is insufficient to prevent skin breakdown. The two-hour interval is a balanced approach that aims to minimize risk while still being manageable for care providers.