Reduce falls

From HMCwiki

Most HMC Partners reported that the largest number of falls occur when patients attempt to get to and from the restroom. The biggest reported obstacle in improving the fall rate related to toileting is staff compliance; programs can be developed that involve mandates like toileting every two hours, but staff compliance is difficult to achieve. To improve staff compliance, HMC Partners are making the caregivers are accountable for their actions. When a unit falls below expected measures, they must go to a council meeting with an action plan for improvement. Other hospitals make the unit accountable for auditing charts and making recommendations for improvement. The path your hospital chooses will depend on your culture, structure and needs.

To prevent patient falls:

• Low mattresses (7 inches off the ground) are being used and are recommended by experts cited on JCAHO's website
• Mattresses with slanted slides are being used.
• Make sure there are nightlights, and that there are clear paths to the bathrooms.
• Use signs on doors to indicate the need for frequent toileting checks.
• Use infrared lights that alert nursing staff to a patient attempt to get out of bed quicker than typical alarm systems.
• Work with Pharmacy to identify medications that should trigger a "fall potential alert" including diuretics, anticoagulants, antipsychotics and sedatives.

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