Falling in a hospital is a major risk for patients, often leading to serious injuries. To combat this, many hospitals use sensor-based systems to monitor movement and alert staff. However, a review of current research shows that these systems do not always work as well as we might hope.
While general sensor systems did not show a significant impact on fall rates or injuries, specific types of technology showed more promise. Specifically, systems that use machine learning and those that are part of a mandatory hospital policy were associated with lower fall rates.
It is important to note that the evidence for these findings is currently limited. Because there were few trials and the data was varied, the certainty of these results is low. While some high-tech versions seem more promising, they are not yet a guaranteed solution for every patient.
Common questions
Do sensor systems actually prevent falls in hospitals?
The evidence is mixed. While some specific types of systems showed promise, general sensor-based systems did not show a significant impact on fall rates or fall-related injuries. Because the evidence is of low certainty, these systems are not a guaranteed way to stop every fall.
Which types of technology seem most effective?
Systems that use machine learning and those that are part of a mandatory implementation were associated with lower fall rates. These specific categories showed more promise than standard rule-based sensor systems in the data reviewed.
Is the evidence for these systems reliable?
The certainty of the evidence is currently low to very low. This is because there were a limited number of trials and the data across different studies was quite varied, making it hard to draw firm conclusions.
