Researchers used the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System to determine how often people over age 60 experienced facial trauma. They examined data from January 2011 through December 2015.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox
They found 109,795 nursing home residents who had to go to the emergency department for facial trauma during that time. Most of the injuries were due to “direct contact with structural housing elements or fixed items” (57 percent) and getting in and out of bed (23 percent), according to the study.
“We encourage families moving their loved ones into a skilled nursing facility to inquire about the level of supervision provided, particularly with regards to transfer to and from bed as well as assistance using the bathroom,” Peter Svider, MD, one of the study’s authors, told Reuters.
More articles on patient safety:
Redesigned Olympus scopes linked to superbug outbreak: 7 things to know
New Jersey pain clinic reopens after infecting 37 patients
Sepsis is a ‘ninja disease’, researchers say
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
