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Many health care facilities use bed alarms to warn caregivers when patients get out of their beds. However, recent evidence based articles have found that alarms alone do not reduce fall rates. Some studies indicate that alarms are not effective because they cause too many false alarms. This can lead to residents becoming distrustful of the device and not using it as a tool for their safety. Bed alarms warn caregivers when a patient leaves their bed, but they don’t prevent falls by themselves. They are part of a multi-pronged approach to fall prevention that includes balance and strength training, sufficient patient monitoring, environmental adaptations, and medication management. Many patients who are at risk for falling in nursing homes have a hard time believing that they shouldn’t get out of bed, so an alarm that sounds too frequently could discourage them from using it. It can also startle or agitate them, increasing their risk for falls. Some of the alarms that use a string attached to the garment may present a strangulation risk, and older people can often figure out how to disconnect the clip from their clothing. They can also be unreliable, as they might respond to a tug from outside of the room without setting off an alarm. For this reason, it is important to test them regularly. This helps you to identify and address problems before they cause any harm.
While alarms can help to prevent a fall, they can also startle patients and cause distress. To minimize this, it is important that you choose the right bed alarm sensor based on your patient’s needs. Different types of bed and chair alarm sensors are available. Some are pressure sensitive mats that detect changes in position, while others use a control unit mounted to the wall or bedside that sends a beam over or alongside the mattress and sounds when a patient moves into or out of the area. Bed alarms are easy to install and are available in a variety of styles. Some are wired with a control unit that can send an alert to the nurse’s station or activate a patient’s personal call system. Others have a wireless transmitter with a range of up to 130 ft., allowing staff to monitor at-risk residents without them having to leave their beds. While bed alarms can help prevent falls, they are not a cure-all. They should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive care plan that addresses other factors that can contribute to falls. Another concern with alarms is that they can be disturbing to patients who hear the loud sounds. Some individuals may react to the alarm by intentionally removing the alligator clip from their clothing or finding other ways to disconnect the sensor. This can lead to a feeling of agitation and anxiety, which can actually increase the likelihood that they will fall. Many bed alarms emit an audible alert and some can also vibrate or flash to warn caregivers. Choose one with adjustable sensitivity to reduce the risk of false alarms or over-sensitivity for agitated patients. While these alarms improve the timeliness of your response to a fall, they do not prevent falls by themselves. Additionally, patients can remove string alarms that are clipped to their clothing or figure out ways to deactivate the device. The use of these devices in a hospital setting can be problematic because it is difficult to balance nurse safety and patient freedom of movement. In fact, PA-PSRS reports indicate that bed alarms are often used incorrectly and can cause injuries to confused patients who are trying to get out of their beds. Additionally, nurses report experiencing alarm fatigue due to inaccurate alarms. Education on the proper use of these devices, including their ethical aspect, should be a high priority for hospitals. |
