Accidents on hospital wards.
Eight hospitals reported 781 non-iatrogenic accidents occurring to patients and visitors under 16 years of age during an 18 month period up to October 1989. Accidents more often involved boys and children aged 3 to 5 years old. Falls from a height, slips, and striking accidents were common by day and falls by night. A total of 41% of accidents to inpatients occurred when parents were present. Only three accidents were serious. Altogether 27% involved beds and cots, and only one consequent injury was more than minor. Data collected routinely in case of medicolegal action can be presented in a form that may facilitate preventative work. Potentially remediable causes for concern include falls from beds and cots and the use of makeshift equipment.
Child Accident Prevention Trust, London.
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Levene
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Bonfield
D000056:Accident Prevention; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000059:Accidents / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010362:Patients' Rooms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D006113:United Kingdom