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Bed Rail Safety - Coggle Diagram

- - - - How likely will the person be injured if they fall out of bed?
        
        Injury and serious injury from falling out of bed might be higher and more serious for some individuals because of other medical conditions they have or because they are frail.
        
        Using a bed rail might reduce the risk of them injuring themselves from falling out of bed.
      - Will the individual suffer unnecessary anxiety if a bed rail is not in place?
        
        Some people are afraid of falling out of bed even if the actual risk is considered low.
        
        A bed rail might not be a necessity for safety. However, if using one will reduce anxiety, it could be recommended to promote the individual’s health and well-being.
        
        This must be fully risk assessed and documented within the care plan.
      - Is a bed rail the right solution?
        
        Some decisions about when to use a bed rail may be straightforward.
        
        The decision needs to be based on the risks and benefits for each person.
        
        All the relevant factors should be considered.
      - It is also important to consider if...
        
        ...there could be other ways to reduce the risk.
        
        ...bed rails might increase the risk of injury.
        
        ...the person is using a special mattress.
        
        ...the person has specific sleeping patterns or habits.
        
        ...the person is very small in stature or weight.
- - - - To avoid exposing those not in their employment (e.g. members of the public and patients) to health and safety risks.
    - - To take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others affected by their acts, and to co-operate with their employer on health and safety obligations.
- - - - Manufacturer's instructions must be followed when installing and using bed rails.
      - Specific bed rails are designed for use on divan beds. These are not suitable for use on profiling or metal framed beds.
      - Where possible, the individual and a family member or advocate should be fully involved with the risk assessment.
      - The gap between the head board, foot board and the bed rail end should be less than 60 mm.
      - Only approved bed rails or safe wedges can be used.
      - The bed rail and mattress platform must be less than 120 mm.
  - - - Confusion due to medication or a urinary tract infection (often abbreviated to UTI)
      - Dementia
      - Communication problems
      - Repetitive or involuntary movement
      - Impaired or restricted mobility
      - Smaller size or weight
- - - - You need to use extra height bed rails when there are extra-height mattresses or overlays.
      - Use bed rail covers or special bed rails to reduce the risk of an individual knocking their legs and arms on bed rails, or getting their arms and legs trapped between the bars.
      - Check if the bed rails are fitted correctly and in good working order.
      - Take extra care when the person is very small or very light. They may need to be assessed in line with guidance for bed safety rail use with children if the person is of very small stature and weight.
  - - - Entrapment can happen between the bed rail and the headboard if the gap is the wrong size for the individual.
      - Avoid gaps over 60mm which could be a large enough size to avoid the individual from getting their head trapped.