Bed Enclosures: Suitable Safety Net?

Patient falls are a leading cause of adverse events and injury in hospitals. Approximately 42% of falls result in some form of injury, and 8% result in serious injury.1 Falls can result in increased length of hospital stay, discharge to a long-term care facility, hospital litigation, and increased healthcare costs.1 By 2020, the cost of fall injuries is expected to reach $43.8 billion.2 While falls are most prevalent in patients age 65 or older, it's imperative that fall assessment and prevention strategies account for all populations serviced by the hospital.