Journal of patient safety
-
Journal of patient safety · Jun 2011
ReviewAre sequential compression devices commonly associated with in-hospital falls? A myth-busters review using the patient safety net database.
Sequential compression devices (SCDs) help prevent deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in hospitalized patients; however, clinicians often decline to use this therapy because of a perceived increased risk for patient falls. There is limited information regarding the association between the use of SCDs and patient falls. In this study, we analyze if SCD use is a common risk factor for in-hospital falls. ⋯ Sequential compression device use is rarely associated with in-hospital patient falls, and SCD-related falls are not more harmful than other types of falls.