Work

Injury and death associated with hospital bed side-rails: reports to the US Food and Drug Administration from 1985 to 1995.

Year: 1997

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Hospital bed side-rails, while intended for patient protection, can contribute to injury and death. Reports to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of hospital bed side-rail entrapment have increased. In this paper entrapment cases are reviewed and the population potentially at risk identified. METHODS: FDA's database was searched for events involving hospital beds from January 1985 to August 1995 and entrapment cases were identified. RESULTS: Of 111 entrapments, 65% were associated with death and 23% with injury. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, female sex, low body weight, and cognitive impairment may be associated with increased risk. Preventive measures are detailed.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.87.10.1675

Authors: J F Todd, C E Ruhl, T P Gross

Institutions: United States Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiological Health

Language: English

Topic: Patient Safety and Medication Errors

Subfield: Emergency Medical Services

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2111782702

FWCI: 0.649

Cites: 1

Cited by: 38

Related to: 10