Evidence Based Training - Prevention of Bed falls – Level 1
Dear Carer
The act of caring for the most vulnerable members of society is demanding and leaves the rest of us full of admiration for the dedication, professionalism and kindness that is shown. Of course one of the risks that faces us every day is the issue of bed falls and bed rail entrapment. In 2007 an estimated 7 people died within the UK care sector due to injuries sustained from bed falls. A bed fall can happen in seconds and of course the elderly will suffer incredible injuries from the slightest impact.
The purpose of this short training session is not to teach you when and where not to deploy bed rails – this is covered in later modules – but is intended to help you identify some of the risks that can lead to a bed fall or bed rail entrapment . This study will take approximately 20 minutes to include the video presentation below (speakers or headphones required) and the completion of a short multiple choice questionnaire.
Finally, well done for taking the time to research this area.These next few moments will improve your confidence and your ability with regards to patient care.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Matron
Watch a bed fall …
The video below depicts an actress falling from a nursing bed and then getting trapped on two separate occasions in her bed rails. A picture speaks a thousand words and this is an effective way of showing you how easy it is for someone to fall or get trapped. Advice is then given as to some of the causes of bed falls and bed rail entrapments.
It should be remembered that when bed rails are used and deployed correctly they save lives and conversely the policy of not using bed rails is questionable as every patients needs are different.. Each patient must be professionally assessed as to whether or not bed rails are used.
Instructions:
- Watch Video
- Complete Questionnaire
- Receive Official Squirrel Training Certificate
1. Please make sure that your headphones / speakers are connected and then press play on the video below.
Please answer the following questions
Evidence Based Training Module
Subject: Prevention of Bed Falls & Entrapment
Level: 1 of 3
Scope:
To provide an executive overview as to the effects of bed falls and bed rail entrapments and the speed, ease and frequency of occurrence and therefore to prevent the same from occurring.
To stimulate further training and research.
Limitations:
This training module must not be used by itself to decide on whether or not to deploy bed rails with a specific client.
Instructions:
Please review the short 3 minute video presentation at:
http://www.squirrelmedical.co.uk/evidence-based-training-prevention-of-bed-dalls/
and then answer the following questions:
————————————————————————————
Question 1
How many people were reported to have fallen from their hospital beds in 2007
- (a) 4 people
- (b) 44 people
- (c) 44.000 people
Answer:
Question 2
How many people were reported to have died following a fall from their hospital beds in 2007 – due in part to a fractured femur?
- (a) 2 people
- (b) 11 people
- (c) 22 people
Answer:
Question 3
Bed Rails (formerly known as cot sides) are:
- (a) Dangerous if poorly maintained as they can cause the entrapment of limbs.
- (b) Dangerous if incorrectly deployed as they can cause people to climb over them and fall from a greater height.
- (c) Both A & B.
Answer:
Question 4
Bed Rails (formerly known as cot sides) are:
- (a) Life savers when properly maintained and correctly used with appropriate guidance.
- (b) An excellent method of preventing bed falls that could otherwise lead to a serious injury and / or shock.
- (c) A convenient means of stopping a patient from getting out of bed.
- (d) Both A & B
Answer:
Question 5
Why can a bed fall be so dangerous to the elderly?
- (a) An elderly person that falls from a single bed in unfamiliar surroundings can suffer from a shock induced heart attack.
- (b) Bed falls can cause multiple non-healing injuries that can lead to life threatening infections.
- (c) Both A & B.
Answer:
Question 6
Why is the maximum gap of 6cm between the headboard and the start of a metal bed rail possibly dangerous?
- (a) This measurement assumes that the original and correct bed rails that were supplied by the bed manufacture are being used and working correctly; where as they are often a third party design and the clamps may not fit properly. This means that they may become loose exposing a dangerous wedge shape gap that can lead to entrapment and possible asphyxia.
- (b) It could cause a fire..
- (c) The clinician might catch their toe in the gap and trip.
Answer:
Question 7
What is the recommended height from the top of an uncompressed mattress to the top of the bed rail.
- (a) 16cm
- (b) Greater than 22cm
- (c) Less than 22cm
Answer:
Question 8
What is the purpose of this level 1 training – Prevention of Bed Falls.
- (a) To provide an overview of the risks and consequences of bed falls
- (b) To find a well earned 20 minutes tea break.
- (c) To stimulate further research and create awareness
- (d) A & C
Answer:
Question 9
Which executive bodies provide further guidance and training materials with regards to the safe deployment of bed rails?
- (a) Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
- (b) Medicines & Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA)
- (c) Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- (d) All of the above
Answer:
Question 10
What should you do if you find a broken or faulty bed rail
- (a) Leave it until the next shift
- (b) Immediately report this to the maintenance person or supervisor who will log the fault and take suitable action to make them safe.
- (c) Blame the patient for breaking the bed rails.
Answer:
Evidence Based Questionnaire Answer Section:
Please contact Squirrel Medical for Evidence Based Training Forms. All of the answers to the above questionnaire are contained within the short 3 minute video presentation above: To preserve the integrity of this exercise confirmation of the answers are only available from Squirrel Medical to the management of the respective care homes.
Please place the completed Evidence Based Training Forms within the appropriate personnel or staff training file.
Scope of Use
Most people, including facilities managers, matrons, maintenance people and care assistants are not aware of the seriousness or ease of a bed fall until its too late. This training module is designed to provide an overview as to the effect of bed falls and bed rail entrapments and the speed use and frequency of occurrence and how to prevent the same from occurring. It must not be used in its own right to effect decisions as to whether or not to deploy bed rails on a specific patient.
Further Research
The subject of preventing bed falls has created a great deal of debate around the design of beds, the level of monitoring of patients through to the layout of care homes in terms of private bed rooms or wards. The following information covers this subject and of course we welcome your comments on our Squirrel Blog..
Additional Reading
http://www.squirreldiamond.com/bed-rail-compliance/
Call 0845 003 7979 for course training notes and questionnaire.
Bed Rail Downloads
Bed Rails – Downloads
The following downloads are produced by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the Medicines & Health Trades Regulatory Authority (MHRA) to assist care homes, nursing homes, physiotherapists and clinicians in their decisions as to whether or not to deploy the use of bed rails, their maintenance and training given. For further information on this subject please contact either the MHRA or HSE.
Squirrel Medical will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may result as a misinterpretation of the videos..
