Bedrails, falls and injury

evidence or opinion? A review of their use and effects

Healey, Frances BSc, RMN, RGN
Oliver, David MA, FRCP, MD

Frances Healey, BSc, RMN, RGN, is clinical reviewer for the National Patient Safety Agency; David Oliver, MA, FRCP, MD, is visiting professor of medicine for older people, School of Community and Health Sciences, City University London, and consultant physician, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading.

Nursing Times 105(26):p 20-24, July 7, 2009.

ABSTRACT

This article examines the evidence on the effect of bedrails on falls and injury, based on a recent systematic literature review. It also discusses why so many opinion pieces on bedrails adopt an extremely negative perspective. Patients' opinions on bedrails, ethical considerations and implications for practice are also explored.