Every year in Australia, over 34,000 people get injured from falls while in the hospital. This is a significant threat to patient safety and can have lifelong consequences. Falls can happen for several reasons, but one of the most common is patients cannot get out of bed independently. This is where these safety alarms come in.
As the name suggests, these alarms are designed to detect when a patient is constantly trying to get out of bed without assistance. When this happens, the alarm will sound, alerting staff to the situation so they can assist. This can help to prevent falls and the injuries that come with them.
This post will review how these alarm devices work and their benefits.
How Do These Alarms Work?
There are a few different types of bed alarms and sensors on the market, but they all work similarly. Some are standalone devices that can be placed under the mattress, while others are integrated into the bed.
The sensor detects when a person is getting out of bed and sends an alert to the caregiver, who can assist. The advantage of this kind of system is that it can help to prevent falls before they happen. These fall-prevention devices are also excellent for monitoring patients at risk of falling.
The Benefits of Using this Alarm System
Given below are some benefits that make them vital in the healthcare industry:
1) They Help to Prevent Falls:
As you can imagine, the main benefit of these alarms is that they help to prevent falls. By sounding an alarm when a patient is getting out of bed without assistance, they give staff a chance to intervene and prevent a fall from happening. Many incidents of serious injury or even death could be prevented by using these devices.
2) They Monitor at-Risk Patients:
Another benefit is that they can be used to monitor patients who are at risk of falling. This might include elderly patients or those with certain medical conditions. By using an alarm, staff can be alerted to any changes in the patient’s condition or behavior that might indicate a fall is imminent. In healthcare settings, this can help to improve patient safety and outcomes.
3) They’re Easy to Use:
If you’re worried about these devices being too complicated to use, don’t be. These days, most devices are designed for easy use by patients and staff. Many can be easily installed and operated with just a few simple steps. This makes them an excellent solution for busy healthcare environments where time is often of the essence.
4) They’re Cost-Effective:
Installing alarms might seem costly, but they can save you money in the long run. By preventing falls and the injuries that come with them, you can reduce the amount of money spent on medical treatment and rehabilitation. In some cases, the cost of just one fall can outweigh the cost of installing an alarm system.
5) They Improve Patient Safety:
About one in three hospital patients will experience a fall during their stay. This puts them at risk of serious injury and can hurt their recovery. These alarms help to improve patient safety by preventing falls and the injuries that come with them. This, in turn, can help to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Conclusion:
There is no doubt that these alarms can be effective in reducing the incidence of falls among hospital patients. By constantly monitoring a patient’s movement and providing an immediate alert when they attempt to get out of bed, these devices can help staff intervene and prevent a fall.
