Side rails as physical restraints in the care of older people: a management issue
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Date
2002-09Author
Gallinagh, Roisin
Slevin, Eamonn
McCormack, Brendan
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Gallinagh, R., Slevin, E. & McCormack, B. (2002) Side rails as physical restraints in the care of older people: a management issue, Journal of Nursing Management, vol. 10, , pp. 299-306,
Abstract
This article explores the use of side rails within the context of physical restraint in gerontological practice. It is debated that side rails can be considered as a form of physical restraint if the individual cannot voluntarily remove/lower the device if he/she wishes to do so. The value of side rails as a protective medium is debated with regard to their association with injuries sustained as a result. Side rails should be used with caution and within a risk management context. Frailty should not be an indicator for the use of side rails, an individualized approach to determine patient's suitability to side rails is advocated.