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Lydia London BSN, RN Geriatric Behavioral Health Center, Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
Background Methods Results
Patient falls in hospitals are
common occurrences that often
lead to patient injury, prolonged
hospitalization, and legal liability.
Each year, one in every three adults
age 65 and older falls which can
cause moderate to severe injuries,
such as hip fractures and head
traumas, and can increase the risk
of early death. Our 45 bed geri-
psych unit experienced the
unfortunate phenomenon of falls
with monthly rates fluctuating above
the national benchmark.
• Patients were assessed using the Morse Fall Risk Assessment Tool
• Baseline orthostatic blood pressure was taken on each patient upon admission
• Patients with limited safety awareness, psychotic symptoms, unsteady gait,
and or history of multiple falls were considered high risk for falling
• The color yellow was used for identification purposes:
• A yellow star was placed at each patients room
• Yellow socks placed on all high fall risk patients
• Mobility technicians along with physical therapists were used to assist with
mobilizing patients every shift with gait belts.
• Recreational Therapists along with the assistance of CNAs implemented
various activities with patients known as “Busy Hands” to reduce wandering and
agitation.
• Staff members were updated on monthly fall data and were provided with
daily feedback regarding compliance with this process.
By June 2014 GBHC’s average
fall rate was 19.77, which is a
26% reduction in falls. While fall
rates continue to fluctuate, the
falls task force assisted our
unit’s efforts to minimize
occurrences of falls and related
injuries.
Purpose
Conclusion
Increasing the awareness of
patients deemed at high risk for
falls improves the nurse-patient
relationship due to a higher level of
confidence of the provider by the
consumer. It has also helped to
provide quality, holistic care within
our facility, as well as increased
safety on our unit. Interdisciplinary
communication has also improved
due to this program.
References
Schwendimann, R., Buhler, H., Geest, S., & Milisen, K.
(2008). Characteristics of hospital inpatient falls across
clinical departments. Gerontology, 54(6), 342-348.
Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
Krauss , MJ., et. al (2004). Characteristics and
circumstances of falls in a hospital setting. J Gen Intern
Med, 19(7), 732-739. Retrieved from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
In September 2013, we devised a
plan to decrease GBHC fall rates by
25% within 10 months by
implementing a falls initiative task
force.
13.77
27.09
17.07 18.2
19.43
27.82 28.27
23.66
13.16
17.26
5.81
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
01-Aug 01-Sep 01-Oct 01-Nov 01-Dec 01-Jan 01-Feb 01-Mar 01-Apr 01-May 01-Jun
GBHC Falls 2013-2014
Series 1