Keywords

hospital bed, patient falls, patient safety, prone position, task design

Authors

1. Tzeng, Huey-Ming PhD, RN
2. Yin, Chang-Yi MA

Abstract

This novel study used a human factor engineering approach to improve patient safety and prevent patient falls. We compared the safety levels of 2 task designs to help patients get out of hospital beds: the traditional sitting-standing position and the prone position. It is assumed that when patients' conditions are comparable, using the prone position is safer. When the prone position is used, if patients lose their balance, they will fall back to the surface of beds.