Alarming and/or Alerting Device Effectiveness in Reducing Falls in Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities? A Systematic Review
Date
2019-03
Authors
Mileski, Michael
Brooks, Matthew
Topinka, Joseph B.
Hamilton, Guy
Land, Cleatus
Mitchell, Traci
Mosely, Brandy
McClay, Rebecca
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Abstract
Perceptions against the use of alarming devices persist in long-term care environments as they are seen as annoying, costly, and a waste of time to the staff involved. Ascertaining whether these perceptions are true or false via the literature was a focus of this study. Proper information to educate staff and to work past these perceptions can be a positive effector for resident safety. Many facilitators for the use of alarming devices were found, as well as many barriers to their use as well. New technology is changing the perceptions regarding these types of devices as time passes. Education is a key component for staff, residents, and families. There are “traditional” issues with the use of alarms such as alarm fatigue by caregivers, high costs of implementation, and issues with proper implementation of alarms. Alarms are perceived as intrusive and the noise from them can be a potential cause of falls. However, alarming devices can be a key intervention in the safety of those residents who are prone to falls. This requires proper implementation and education for all parties involved, and proper oversight surrounding use of the devices.
Description
Keywords
alarms, skilled nursing, quality improvement, safety, falls, Health Administration
Citation
Mileski, M., Brooks, M., Topinka, J. B., Hamilton, G., Land, C., Mitchell, T., Mosley, B., & McClay, R. (2019). Alarming and/or alerting device effectiveness in reducing falls in long-term care (LTC) facilities? A systematic review. Healthcare, 7(1): 51.
Rights
Rights Holder
© 2019 The Authors.
Rights License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.