Nurses' Perceptions of Safety Concerns When Caring for Morbidly Obese Patients

Abstract This study used phone interviews with nurse members of the NABN to assess their perceptions of safety concerns while caring for hospitalized morbidly obese patients. Findings suggest that the hospitalized morbidly obese patient (BMI > 35) is at high risk, in particular for falls. Nurses recounted falls resulting from equipment failure or breakdown and also falls of unknown origin where the patient was simply found lying on the floor. Near misses were also described. Recommendations include facilities assessment, including the obese patient in fall risk assessments; the establishment of a dedicated bariatric unit; and the report and analysis of near misses.