Bedrails and vulnerable older adults: how should nurses make 'safe and sound' decisions surrounding their use?

Shanahan, Denise Julia 2012. Bedrails and vulnerable older adults: how should nurses make 'safe and sound' decisions surrounding their use? International Journal of Older People Nursing 7 (4) , pp. 272-281. 10.1111/j.1748-3743.2011.00285.x

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Abstract

Aim and objectives. This paper examines the available evidence and uses ethical principles to answer how nurses should make safe and sound decisions surrounding the use of bedrails. Background. Bedrails are frequently observed in practice. They are designed as safety devices but there is evidence of indiscriminate and misuse with vulnerable adults. Methods. The OVID MEDLINE, BNI and CINAHL databases were searched using key words dignity or autonomy and old[er] or elder[s/ly]), people, adult[s], patient[s], client[s] or user[s], and bed rails, bed guards, cot sides or side rails (and associated variations). Additionally United Kingdom legislation, professional codes of practice and national patient safety agency resources were also searched. Results. Bedrail use needs careful consideration. The published evidence can be confusing and contradictory. Nurses have a duty to provide care which promotes respect for patient’s autonomy, integrity and dignity for which individualised assessment is essential. Additionally overt consideration of beneficence, non-maleficence and justice supports decision making.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) R Medicine > RT Nursing
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Dignity ; Ethical principles ; Falls prevention ; Older people ; Restraint ; Safety
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	1748-3735
Last Modified:	19 Mar 2016 22:12
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/7507

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