Changes in bedrail prevalence during a bedrails-reduction initiative.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the prevalence of bedrails and observe whether use of bedrails can be decreased during a bedrails-reduction initiative.


METHODS
A serial, cross-sectional, observational study of bedrail use.


METHODS
An 816-bed not-for-profit nursing facility with academic affiliation and closed medical staff. Median age of residents was 88.1 (range 62-108); 74% were women and 26% were men.


METHODS
Observed use of bedrails with classification of bedrail configurations into Enclosure Levels based on percentage of bedsides enclosed; serial census of bedrail use during a restraint-reduction effort.


RESULTS
Bedrail configurations fell into five Enclosure Levels based on percentage of the bed enclosed. Over 9 months, total bedrail prevalence increased from 50 to 56%; however, the highest Enclosure Levels decreased from 7.7 to 3.9%.


CONCLUSIONS
Bedrail configurations can be placed on a continuum of enclosure, and highest Enclosure Levels can be decreased during a bedrails-reduction program.
Levine
J M
JM
Kings Harbor Multicare Facililty, Bronx, NY, USA.
Hammond
M
M
Marchello
V
V
Breuer
B
B