Side rails as physical restraints: the need for appropriate assessment.
Side rails are commonly used in the care of the older person. They can be classified as a physical restraint if they restrict the movement of an individual and also if the individual has an inability to have them removed/lowered at will. Advanced age should not be an indicator for side rail use and an individualized approach in patient assessment is advised.
Gallinagh
R
R
United Hospitals, Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Slevin
E
E
McCormack
B
B
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001513:Beds; D004867:Equipment Design; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders