| The incidence of falls in hospitals is an alarming number. | | | | Fall Prevention Plan |
| National averages indicate that acute care general | | | | We all know that accidents do happen. However, be |
| hospitals experience approximately 1,000,000 fall | | | | sure that the hospital staff has a program in place to |
| occurrences, per year. Sadly, 30% of those falls will | | | | minimize the risk of a fall. The following guidelines will |
| result in injuries. Of those injuries, 5% or 52,500 will | | | | help ensure maximum safety of your loved one. |
| receive serious trauma such as a hip fracture. | | | | 1. Request a copy of the hospital's Fall Prevention |
| If you or a loved one is hospitalized, you need to | | | | Policy and Procedure. |
| remain alert to potential fall risks. This is important | | | | 2. Review the policy and the actual "care plan" to |
| because patients and families can play an important | | | | determine if a safe plan is in place. |
| part in creating a safe hospital environment. | | | | 3. If restraints are indicated, request a copy of the |
| All patients are to be assessed upon admission for the | | | | hospital's Restraint Policy and Procedure. Restraints, if |
| potential of falls. An "action" plan is then implemented | | | | used correctly, can be a part of a hospital's safety |
| to decrease the likelihood of a fall. Unfortunately, the | | | | plan. However, restraint use can also pose a safety |
| "action plan" is not always followed. | | | | risk. Be sure they are monitored as outlined in the |
| All Patients at Risk | | | | Restraint Policy. |
| It is safe to assume that all patients are at some | | | | 4. Patients are to be assessed continuously to |
| degree of risk of falling. Impaired mental status (i.e. | | | | evaluate their safety risk. Studies have reported that |
| confusion, disorientation), impaired memory, as well as | | | | between 16% and 52% of patients may experience |
| those patients taking medications that act on the | | | | more than one fall during their hospitalization. Be alert |
| central nervous system, such as sedatives and | | | | for changes in condition that warrant a change to their |
| tranquilizers may increase the chance of falling. | | | | Fall Prevention Action Plan. |
| New products are on the market to assist hospital | | | | 5. Depending on the nature on an individual's care |
| staff protects their patients. Bed alarms as well as | | | | needs, a 24hour sitter may be the only option to |
| motion alarms, which alert staff if someone is trying to | | | | ensure safety. Hospital staff should assess for this |
| get out of bed, are in use. Low beds or Vail "enclosed | | | | high level of monitoring. |
| bed systems" may be employed. Physical and | | | | Ongoing Monitoring |
| chemical restraints are still being used as well. Many | | | | Effective fall prevention requires ongoing monitoring. |
| facilities are working to move to a "restraint-free" | | | | Remain alert to be sure all care givers are following |
| environment as restraints have not been proven to | | | | safety guidelines. If necessary, request to see |
| reduce falls. | | | | someone in authority to ensure the safety of your |
| Simple care strategies should also include:o non-skid | | | | loved one. Hospital stays are difficult enough without |
| footwearo improved lightingo minimize clutter near the | | | | the added burden of a serious fall. |
| patient's bedo frequent patient checks | | | | |