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Accidents on hospital wards
1Child Accident Prevention Trust, London.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Most non-iatrogenic accidents in children under 16 involved boys and toddlers, often due to falls. These hospital accidents were rarely serious, but highlight areas for preventative safety improvements.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Safety
- Hospital-Acquired Conditions
- Accident Prevention
Background:
- Non-iatrogenic accidents pose risks to pediatric patients and visitors in hospital settings.
- Understanding accident patterns is crucial for developing effective safety interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and characteristics of non-iatrogenic accidents in children under 16 years old.
- To identify common accident types, demographics, and circumstances to inform preventative strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective data collection from eight hospitals over an 18-month period.
- Analysis of 781 reported non-iatrogenic accidents involving patients and visitors under 16.
Main Results:
- Accidents were more frequent in boys and children aged 3-5 years.
- Common incidents included falls, slips, and striking accidents; 41% of inpatient accidents occurred with parents present.
- Only three accidents were serious, with 27% involving beds/cots.
Conclusions:
- Routine data collection can aid accident prevention efforts in hospitals.
- Falls from beds/cots and use of makeshift equipment are key areas for safety improvements.