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. 1997 Oct;87(10):1675-7.
doi: 10.2105/ajph.87.10.1675.

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

J F Todd  1 , C E Ruhl, T P Gross
Affiliations

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

J F Todd et al. Am J Public Health. 1997 Oct.

Erratum in

  • Am J Public Health 1997 Dec;87(12):2052

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.

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References

    1. Dimens Health Serv. 1990 May;67(4):10, 14 - PubMed

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