Tools Used to Tackle Falls

Purpose:
Lutheran General Hospital has been ≥ the teaching mean in the NDNQI data base for falls. As a Magnet re-designated hospital and recognition by Thompsons Reuters as a Top 100 Hospital for the 13th time in 2011, we are constantly striving for the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Significance:
Patient falls are one of the most common occurrences in hospitals. Moderate to severe injuries are responsible for reduced mobility, loss of independence and rising healthcare costs. Providing a safe environment reduces falls, patient injury and ultimately reduce the cost of providing healthcare.

Strategy and Implementation:
An evaluation of our fall prevention practice was conducted in fall 2008. Changes to our practice included: adoption of the Hendrichs II tool which was incorporated into our electronic health record. Re-education for all bedside caregivers was conducted including utilization of the new tool, assessing the environment for hazards, ensuring all personal items are within easy reach; and provide emphasis on rounding with a purpose. Additional efforts include the development of patient /family education to enhance understanding of fall risk; individualized plan of care for safety for each patient; room signage, yellow non-skid socks and fall band. Our Falls Toolkit includes all of these items in one package stocked on the unit. When the patient is assessed to be at risk for falls, everything is readily available for a quick and easy implementation. This toolkit has proved invaluable in enhancing the safety of our patients and reducing the number of falls and severity of injury.

Evaluation:
Data is evaluated to identify areas of opportunity. Our multidisciplinary team includes RNs, APNs, ancillary associates. The us of the fall toolkit has made a big difference in the number of falls and minimized injury. Unit based fall prevention experts help develop strategies based on unit results.

Implications for Practice:
We demonstrated a decrease in falls & injuries in 2010/2011. Our goal is top quartile performance with a stretch goal of top decile using the NDNQI database. We consistently monitor evidence based practice & our data. We choose strategies to continually improve our practice & patient outcomes.