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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
