An audit of bedrail use and implications for practice

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Bedrails are commonly employed in healthcare settings to prevent patient falls from beds.
• Concerns exist regarding the indiscriminate and potentially restrictive use of bedrails, impacting patient safety, dignity, and autonomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a night-time audit of bedrail usage within an integrated NHS trust.
• To identify the prevalence, types, patient demographics, and reasons for bedrail use.
• To inform local policy development and enhance clinical practice regarding bedrail application.

Main Methods:

• A night-time audit was performed in an integrated NHS trust.
• Data collected included bedrail numbers, types, patient demographics, locations, and staff-reported reasons for use.
• Findings were used to guide local policy and practice improvements.

Main Results:

• The audit provided data on the extent and patterns of bedrail use.
• Understanding staff rationale for bedrail use was a key outcome.
• Results informed the development of new policies and a decision aid for bedrail use.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the need for evidence-based guidelines for bedrail use.
• An audit is an effective method for assessing current practice and identifying areas for improvement.
• A new decision aid is presented to support safer and more appropriate bedrail application, promoting patient well-being.