Resources for Evaluating the Appropriate Use of Bed Rails

There are various resources available on the use and hazards of bed rails in a variety of settings. Various organizations and resources, including the federal government, have published materials on these pieces of equipment. Those working with - and those with loved ones using them - bed rails should research these resources to decide whether the use is appropriate in the given setting.

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Various resources are available for those seeking more information about bed rails and the hazards that these devices can present. Many federal agencies have compiled information about their use; you may find it helpful to review these resources if your loved one is in a facility that requires the use of bed rails as a restraint device. Do your research before making a decision about whether a bed rail is appropriate for the person. Remember that safer devices exist, although no tool is perfect.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has drafted several reference tools about entrapment risk when using bed rails. One document in particular, the Hospital Bed System Dimensional and Assessment Guidance to Reduce Entrapment, is an extremely up-to-date piece of literature. This document was drafted in 2004 and approved in 2006. It addresses the risks with using bed rails, and the body parts that are particularly at risk in their use. The FDA also outlines the procedure for reporting an adverse event associated with bed rails.

Further information is available from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, the organization in the United States responsible for the administration of these services, and one of the largest payers for hospitals and nursing homes. Information on bed rail hazards is included in other documentation about preventing serious, costly, and preventable medical errors. Medical errors in the United States represent about 98,000 deaths a year, according to CMS. Although this information in this document focuses on reported events in Minnesota, the data can be extrapolated to across the United states.

As illustrated in the CMS information, bed rail entrapment is viewed by the government as a preventable medical error. The availability of this information from the government makes it very clear that even federal administrators are aware of the risks surrounding the use of bed rails.

Research studies also have been published about the use and dangers of bed rails. These studies have looked at bed rails in a variety of populations, including nursing homes, hospitals, and home care settings. The studies evaluate the use of using a bed rail, and provide some analysis about the dangers and uses in a particular setting.

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Avail yourself of the available knowledge to evaluate whether these tools are appropriate in the setting that you are considering. Remember that you are the advocate for the patient. Do not let a bad decision change a life forever.