Introducing the Online Academy!

Empowering clinicians with expert-led training on clinical seating, pressure injury prevention, and best practice.

Learn More
Insights & Research

Seating Matters Chairs in Hospital Settings: Transforming Patient Care and Recovery

16th July, 2025

In hospital environments, the importance of specialist seating is often underestimated. Yet, the right chair can be as crucial as any medical device in supporting patient outcomes, staff efficiency, and overall healthcare costs. Seating Matters chairs are at the forefront of this evolution, offering clinically designed solutions that address the unique needs of patients, caregivers, and healthcare facilities.

Seating Matters Chairs in Hospital Settings: Transforming Patient Care and Recovery

Why Specialist Seating Matters in Hospitals

Traditional bedside chairs are frequently viewed as mere furniture, not as integral tools for patient care. However, improper seating can lead to poor posture, imbalanced weight distribution, and ultimately, pressure injuries and falls - serious complications that can prolong hospital stays and impact recovery1. For patients with limited mobility, the ability to reposition is diminished, making them especially vulnerable to these risks2.

Proven Clinical Benefits

Seating Matters chairs are not just comfortable - they are clinically proven to deliver significant benefits:

  • 100% reduction in falls and sliding: Patients who switched to Seating Matters chairs experienced a complete elimination of falls and sliding incidents 3.
  • 75% reduction in pressure injuries: The incidence of pressure ulcers dropped dramatically, reducing both patient suffering and the need for costly interventions 3.
  • Early mobilisation: These chairs enable patients, including those in ICU or recovering from critical illness, to sit out of bed sooner, preserving muscle strength and expediting recovery 4.
  • Pain reduction: Patients reported a 75% decrease in pain or discomfort after transitioning to these chairs 3.
  • Improved independence: Functional tasks increased by 46%, and time spent in bed decreased by 31%—key factors in maintaining dignity and mental wellbeing 3.
  • Enhanced oxygen saturation: 85% of patients saw improvements in oxygen levels, supporting better overall health 3.

Join the mailing list

Sign up to our mailing list to get practical tips and latest research delivered to your inbox!

Impact on Caregivers and Hospital Operations

The benefits extend beyond patients:

  • Reduced manual handling: Caregivers experienced a 46% decrease in the need for postural correction, lowering the risk of staff injury and freeing up time for other care tasks 3.
  • Lower cost of care: Fewer falls, less time in bed, and reduced pressure injuries translate into shorter hospital stays and less expenditure on staff labour and wound care 3.
  • Hygiene and infection control: Seating Matters chairs are designed for easy cleaning, helping maintain high standards of hygiene and reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections 3.

Features That Make a Difference

Seating Matters chairs are engineered with features that directly address the clinical and practical challenges faced in hospitals:

  • Adjustable seat depth and leg rests to support different body types and reduce pressure on vulnerable areas5.
  • Tilt-in-space and removable arms to assist with transfers and promote independence 5.
  • Specialist options for bariatric patients and those with complex postural needs1,5.

The Importance of Clinical Assessment

A thorough clinical seating assessment is essential to match the right chair to each patient’s needs. This ensures optimal posture, comfort, and long-term health outcomes4. The right chair can make the difference between a patient regaining independence or developing avoidable complications.

Conclusion

Seating Matters chairs have redefined what hospital seating can achieve. By prioritizing clinical outcomes, patient comfort, and caregiver support, these chairs are not just furniture—they are a vital part of modern healthcare. Hospitals that invest in specialist seating see tangible improvements in patient recovery, staff wellbeing, and operational efficiency.

For clinicians, caregivers, and hospital administrators, the message is clear: seating matters—and choosing the right chair can change lives.

References

  1. Hillrom (2020) ‘How to detect and prevent pressure injuries’, (online) available: https://www.hillrom.com/en/knowledge/article/how-to-detect-and-prevent-pressure-injuries/ [Accessed July 9th, 2025]. 
  2. Chen, F., Wang, X., Pan, Y., Ni, B. and Wu, J. (2023) ‘The paradox of obesity in pressure ulcers of critically ill patients’, Int Wound J, 20(7):2753–2763. doi: 10.1111/iwj.14152.
  3. Seating Matters (2022) ‘Benefits of Clinical Chairs for Patients, Hospitals & Carers’, (online), available: https://www.seatingmatters.com.au/benefits-of-clinical-chairs/
  4. Seating Matters (2022) ‘Acute Care’, (online), available: Acute Care | Seating Matters
  5. Seating Matters (2024) ‘The Clinicians Seating Handbook’, (online), available: https://seatingmatters.com/gb-ie/the-clinicians-seating-handbook

** Note - the purpose of this blog is to give an overview of the product with some tips to consider on its use. This is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis, prescription or treatment and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. For advice with your personal health or that of someone in your care, consult your doctor or appropriate medical professional.

Next Steps

Take the next step to achieve clinical excellence and a 24 hour package of care for patients.

Book a Free Seating Assessment

Book a Free Seating Assessment

Arrange a free, no obligation assessment of clinical, therapeutic seating.

Book Now
Request a Call Back

Request a Call Back

Schedule a call at a time that suits you to speak with our experts.

Call Me Back
The Clinician's Seating Handbook

The Clinician's Seating Handbook

Download your copy of The Clinician's Seating Handbook

Download Now