Document Type
Poster
Associated Faculty
Dr. Valerie Herbert
Sponsoring Academic Department
School of Nursing
Publication Date
2025
Abstract/ Summary
During inpatient hospital stays, ensuring patient safety is always a top priority, with particular emphasis on minimizing the risk of falls. One key strategy for preventing falls is the use of non- slip socks, among various other methods This literature review examines whether non-slip socks, in comparison to standard socks or slippers, help reduce the incidence of falls among hospitalized individuals during their inpatient stay. While non-slip socks effectively reduce the number of falls in the hospital, this literature review suggests they may also increase the risk of bacterial transmission or infection. A search was conducted in CINAHL, PubMed, National Institute of Health, and Nursing Reference Center Plus. Search terms included non-slip socks, grip socks, bacteria, hospital floors, fall risk, proper footwear, and transmission. Excluded articles included those older than five years, those focused on outpatient facilities, and articles that did not discuss the effectiveness of socks in fall prevention. Recommendations include changing non-slip socks each time a patient returns to bed after ambulating and providing non-slip slippers for patients who ambulate independently, ensuring they are worn only while walking and not while in bed. This would help minimize the transmission of bacteria from the floor to the bed, ultimately lowering the risk of hospital-acquired infections In conclusion, the literature review highlights a reduction in falls associated with the use of non-slip socks. However, recommendations also emphasize the importance of wearing supportive footwear and removing dirty socks before returning to bed to minimize the risk of bacterial transmission from the floor to improve patient safety.
Repository Citation
Fisher, Samantha A. and McIntire, Cassidy, "Use of Non-Slip Socks to Improve Patient Safety in a Hospital Setting" (2025). Non-Thesis Student Work. 81.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/student_work/81
Version
other
Poster
