Innovating Fall Safety

Authors:
  • AKAlyson Keen
    Alyson Keen
  • JMJoan Miller
    Joan Miller
  • JMJanelle K. McClure
    Janelle K. McClure
  • AKAreeba Kara
    Areeba Kara
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Abstract
Background: Injury falls are common, with nearly a million hospitalized patients falling annually. Fall risk identification and prevention are largely clinician-centric, lacking patient input. Local Problem: Our fall rates were below the national mean; however, patients who fell and sustained injury were at or above the mean. We lacked processes that engaged patients as safety collaborators. Methods: This was a quality improvement study examining the effect of a collaborative fall intervention on (1) patient knowledge in action and (2) incidence of falls. Intervention: The patient fall assessment tool was implemented to facilitate collaborative safety conversations. Results: We achieved a statistically significant improvement (P = .0007) in the patient's participation in the development of the safety plan, with a 25% reduction in total falls and a 67% reduction in injury falls. Conclusions: The patient fall assessment tool may be a successful strategy to engage patients in the development of their safety plan and positively affect safety partnerships.

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