Use of toilet alarms in inpatient settings

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of toilet alarms among patients at an increased risk for falls in inpatient settings while allowing for privacy and maintaining safety. METHODS: Pre- and postsurvey data were collected among patients in the intervention and control groups, as well as among the healthcare staff, to determine perceptions of privacy and safety. RESULTS: Each participant group was compared according to the participants' responses to the pre- and postsurveys. On average, the intervention group perceived increased levels of privacy and safety compared with the control group. Staff also indicated increased privacy and safety. CONCLUSION: Additional research is necessary, but patient satisfaction, privacy, and dignity may be augmented by using toilet alarms in hospital settings.