Effectiveness of the use of bedrails in preventing falls among hospitalized older adults: a systematic review protocol

Abstract

REVIEW QUESTION / OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to identify the effectiveness of the use of bedrails in preventing falls among hospitalized older adults when compared with no use of bedrails or any type of physical restraints. More specifically, the review will focus on the following questions: What is the effectiveness of the use of bedrails in preventing falls among hospitalized older adults when compared with no use of bedrails? What is the effectiveness of the use of bedrails in preventing falls among hospitalized older adults when compared with no use of physical restraints? INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants The quantitative component of this review will consider studies that include hospitalized adults (female and male), 65 years and over with any clinical condition in a non-intensive care unit. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest The quantitative component of the review will consider studies that evaluate the use of bedrails as a restraint to prevent falls among older adults in non-intensive care units compared to no use of bedrails or any type of physical restraints, for example: bedrails versus no bedrails, and bedrails versus no wrist or ankle ties. Types of outcomes This review will consider studies that include the following outcome measures: Primary outcomes – Number of patients who fall or the number of falls per patient. Secondary outcomes – Number of head trauma, bone fractures or soft tissue injuries.