An analysis of falls in the hospital: Can we do without bedrails?

被引:62
作者
Hanger, HC [1 ]
Ball, MC [1 ]
Wood, LA [1 ]
机构
[1] Princess Margaret Hosp, Older Persons Hlth Div, Christchurch 2, New Zealand
关键词
falls; older people; bedrails; cotsides; injury;
D O I
10.1111/j.1532-5415.1999.tb02565.x
中图分类号
R592 [老年病学]; C [社会科学总论];
学科分类号
03 ; 0303 ; 100203 ;
摘要
OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of introduction of a bedrail policy, and an educational program, on patient falls and fall-related injuries. DESIGN: A prospective "Before and After" design. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: All patients admitted during 1 calendar year in an assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation unit for older people. INTERVENTION: A policy change for the use of bedrails (restricting their use) and an educational program about their effects. MEASUREMENTS: Patient fall rates - all falls and around the bed falls - and patient and staff injuries. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the number of beds with bedrails attached after the policy introduction (mean of 40/135 vs 18.5/135, respectively, P = .02), but the fall rate (either total or around the bed) did not change significantly. Serious injuries were significantly less common after the bedrail policy was introduced (P = .008), with fewer head injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the use of bedrails did not alter patient fall rates significantly, but it was associated with a reduction in serious injuries. Unless it can be shown that bedrails are beneficial, their continued use in older patients must be seriously questioned.
引用
收藏
页码:529 / 531
页数:3
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