Can Proper Bed Management Reduce Patient Falls in Hospitals?

Ever wondered what keeps hospital patients safe beyond the watchful eyes of their doctors and nurses? Well, let’s talk about something as fundamental as the hospital bed itself. Yes, you heard it right. The humble hospital bed, often taken for granted, plays a pivotal role in ensuring patient safety, particularly in minimizing the risk of falls.

Now, patient falls aren’t just about the immediate harm they cause. They’re a bigger headache for hospitals, especially when you consider the financial implications tied to quality metrics by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). So, how does proper bed management come into play here? Let’s dive in.

Modern hospital beds are equipped with innovative features like bed exit alarms, a critical tool in fall prevention. These alarms serve as an early warning system, alerting healthcare staff when a patient attempts to leave their bed unassisted, thus enabling timely intervention. The importance of functional side rails cannot be overstated either. They provide essential support for patients as they get in and out of bed. However, if these rails are malfunctioning or damaged, they transition from being a support mechanism to a fall hazard. Regular maintenance ensures that side rails remain secure, stable, and reliable.

A well-fitted mattress is another key component in minimizing fall risks. Incorrectly sized mattresses can create unsafe gaps or uneven surfaces, making falls more likely. Similarly, the calibration of bed motors plays a pivotal role. The ability to adjust the bed to a safe height facilitates easier and safer patient transitions in and out of bed. Maintenance checks that include assessing the bed’s motor and its calibration are essential to ensure that it functions as intended, reducing the risk of falls during these critical moments.

The functionality of bed brakes and brake indicators is also vital for ensuring the bed remains stationary as patients move, providing a stable and secure environment. If these components are not working correctly, the bed can shift unexpectedly, significantly increasing the risk of falls. Regular checks of these elements are part of a comprehensive maintenance protocol that every healthcare facility should implement.

Proper bed management encompasses more than just timely repairs; it involves a holistic approach to ensuring every aspect of the hospital bed contributes to patient safety. From the innovative use of bed exit alarms to the meticulous fit of mattresses and the precise calibration of bed motors, each element plays a vital role in minimizing the risk of patient falls. Regular maintenance and checks ensure that these elements function optimally, safeguarding patient well-being. To make sure management of beds and patient flow are on track, outsourcing your organization’s bed maintenance to a trusted and reputed company may be the solution you need. If you are a hospital looking online for hospital bed repair companies visit our website at https://www.emerituscs.com/