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Phone: 717-346-0469
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Falls Associated with Wheelchairs
PA PSRS Patient Saf Advis 2004 Mar;1(1):3. 
 

A few healthcare facilities have reported incidents to the PA-PSRS system involving patient falls from wheel-chairs. While no serious injury has been identified, to date, studies have indicated that wheelchair-related deaths do occur and are more prevalent in persons over 65 years of age. Wheelchairs falling and tipping are the factors most commonly associated with such deaths.1

Another wheelchair hazard is its improper use. For example, one PA-PSRS incident indicated that a patient fell while using an empty wheelchair as a walker. The wheelchair tipped backwards while the patient was bearing her upper body weight on the wheelchair handles. Falls are also associated with mechanical problems. For example, falls are more likely to occur when footrests, wheel locks, or other parts do not function properly or are loose. Risks can be reduced by using wheel locks and anti-tipping devices.2

References

  1. Calder CJ, Kirby RL. Fatal wheelchair-related accidents in the U.S. Am J Phys Med Rehab 1990; 69(4):183-9.
  2. ECRI. Falls. Healthcare Risk Control Safety and Security 2:4. December 1996.
 
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THE PENNSYLVANIA PATIENT SAFETY AUTHORITY AND ITS CONTRACTORS  
PSA LOGO The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority is an independent state agency created by Act 13 of 2002, the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (“Mcare”) Act. Consistent with Act 13, ECRI Institute, as contractor for the Authority, is issuing this publication to advise medical facilities of immediate changes that can be instituted to reduce Serious Events and Incidents. For more information about the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, see the Authority’s Web site at www.patientsafetyauthority.org .      
ECRI LOGO ECRI Institute, a nonprofit organization, dedicates itself to bringing the discipline of applied scientific research in healthcare to uncover the best approaches to improving patient care. As pioneers in this science for more than 40 years, ECRI Institute marries experience and independence with the objectivity of evidence-based research. More than 5,000 healthcare organizations worldwide rely on ECRI Institute’s expertise in patient safety improvement, risk and quality management, and healthcare processes, devices, procedures and drug technology.      

ISMP Logo The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated solely to medication error prevention and safe medication use. ISMP provides recommendations for the safe use of medications to the healthcare community including healthcare professionals, government agencies, accrediting organizations, and consumers. ISMP’s efforts are built on a nonpunitive approach and systems-based solutions.      
 
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