From the Guidelines
The use of weighted beds in the emergency department is not explicitly recommended, instead, the focus should be on using sturdy furniture with armrests and extra thick/soft gurney mattresses to prevent falls and skin breakdown, as suggested by the geriatric emergency department guidelines 1. When considering patient care and safety in the emergency department, it's crucial to prioritize measures that prevent falls and pressure ulcers.
- The selection of furniture should be based on the Evidence-Based Design Checklist to ensure that it meets the needs of older patients and reduces the risk of falls.
- Extra thick/soft gurney mattresses can decrease the possible development of skin breakdown and decubitus ulcer formation, as noted in the guidelines 1.
- The choice of upholstery should be soft and moisture-proof to protect the fragile skin of older patients and reduce surface contamination linked to healthcare-associated infections. Some key considerations for patient safety in the emergency department include:
- Using furniture with sturdy armrests to facilitate safe transferring
- Shielding of illuminating fixtures above the beds to reduce glare and improve visibility
- Avoiding the use of bedrails, as they may increase the severity of falls, as suggested by some studies 1
- Considering the use of reclining chairs as an alternative to ED gurney beds to reduce pain and improve patient satisfaction, as supported by economic evidence 1.
From the Research
Need for Weighted Beds in the Emergency Department
- The use of weighted beds in the emergency department can be related to patient care and safety, particularly in preventing falls and injuries among patients, especially the elderly or those with high fall risk 2, 3.
- Studies have shown that multifactorial interventions, including the use of fall risk assessments and fall prevention strategies, can be effective in reducing falls and injuries in the emergency department 2.
- However, there is limited research specifically on the use of weighted beds in the emergency department, and more studies are needed to determine their effectiveness in preventing falls and improving patient safety.
Patient Care and Safety
- Patients who are at high risk for falls, such as the elderly or those with certain medical conditions, may benefit from the use of weighted beds or other fall prevention strategies in the emergency department 3.
- The use of weighted beds or other safety measures can help to reduce the risk of falls and injuries, and improve patient outcomes and satisfaction with care.
- Additionally, the use of weighted beds or other safety measures can help to reduce the risk of agitation and violence in the emergency department, particularly among patients with mental health or substance use disorders 4, 5, 6.
Fall Prevention Strategies
- Fall prevention strategies, including the use of weighted beds, can be an important part of patient care and safety in the emergency department 2, 3.
- These strategies can help to reduce the risk of falls and injuries, and improve patient outcomes and satisfaction with care.
- However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of weighted beds and other fall prevention strategies in the emergency department, and to identify the most effective approaches to preventing falls and improving patient safety.