Preventing Falls and Fall-Related Injuries in Hospitals

Prevention of falls in hospital

“…In contrast to other patient safety themes, such as infection prevention and control, there is little evidence to support a peripatetic approach through the development of specific falls prevention teams. 3 However, a systematic review suggests a number of key quality improvement themes are important features of successful schemes. 9 The engagement of front-line staff is critical and requires effective leadership at both ward and board level.…”

“…30-50% of falls result in some physical injury and fractures occur in 1-3%. 3 Even without such injuries, harm to patients, carers and staff frequently manifest through associated psychological distress, fear of further falls, prolonged hospital stays, complaints, litigation, guilt and dissatisfaction. Yet the majority of falls are not true accidents and are not an inevitable consequence of ageing; they are the result of a toxic conspiracy of multiple intrinsic (related to the individual) and extrinsic (environmental influences) risk factors brought to interplay through the riskiness of a person's behaviours.…”

Reducing Falls and Fall-Related Injuries in Acutely and Critically Ill Patients

“…18 Reduction and elimination of modifiable risks are also measurable outcomes, such as eliminating orthostasis, reducing numbers of centrally and incontinence. 1 The second major assessment priority is to identify patients at risk for moderate-toserious injury should a fall occur. Injury risk assessment is a separate practice from fall risk assessment and focuses on identifying the presence of "ABCS" factors (Age, >85 years; Bones, osteoporosis diagnosis or treatment, history of fracture, especially hip fracture; Coagulation, anticoagulant therapy; Surgery, recent major abdominal, thoracic, or lower extremity).…”

“…1,11 Individualized care plans must include environmental safety actions specific to patients' needs. Observational rounds are an effective tool to verify that interventions are in place and working.…”

“…From 3% to 20% of inpatients fall at least once, with injury prevalence ranging from 30% to 51%. 1 Of these, 6% to 44% experience similar injuries such as fractures, subdural hematomas, or excessive bleeding that may cause death. Certain to affect morbidity and mortality, injury falls are "never events" that also cut reimbursement.…”