Deformers let you influence particle positions in a variety of ways.
To deform particles
The deformers operate in the same way as they do for geometry. You can also layer deformers.
You can also combine particle deformation with forces: deform the particles, then apply the desired forces to the intermediate object. Alternatively, you could apply forces to particles before the application of a deformer.
For example, particles within a flow deformed with a bend deformer will not slow down or speed up in relation to their position within the bend.