Related Experiment Videos
Individualized assessment and intervention in bilateral siderail use
E Capezuti1, K A Talerico, N Strumpf
1University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, USA.
Geriatric Nursing (New York, N.Y.)
|January 27, 1999
Summary
Bilateral siderails, like physical restraints, can be reduced with a comprehensive assessment. This approach guides nurses in managing patient fall risks and intervening for high-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric nursing
- Patient safety
- Restraint reduction
Background:
- Bilateral siderails are frequently used in long-term care, often functioning as physical restraints.
- Their use can be associated with negative patient outcomes and regulatory scrutiny.
- Reducing reliance on siderails is a key goal in improving patient care and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an individualized assessment process for evaluating the necessity of bilateral siderail use.
- To provide nurses with a tool to manage resident characteristics contributing to falls from bed.
- To guide interventions for residents at high risk of falling out of bed.
Main Methods:
- Development of a comprehensive, individualized assessment protocol for siderail evaluation.
- Integration of resident-specific risk factors for falls from bed into the assessment.
- Alignment of the assessment with federal resident assessment instrument requirements.
Main Results:
- The proposed assessment process facilitates a safe reduction in bilateral siderail use.
- It empowers nurses to make informed decisions regarding siderail necessity.
- The protocol identifies and addresses specific resident fall risks.
Conclusions:
- An individualized assessment is effective in reducing the use of bilateral siderails.
- This approach supports evidence-based nursing practice in fall prevention.
- The assessment aligns with regulatory standards and promotes patient safety.