The authors reviewed the literature to determine the effectiveness of fall prevention programs as a patient safety strategy. They found that while multicomponent programs can reduce falls among inpatients, there is no evidence for an optimal bundle of components.
Eleven studies, however, showed the following seven elements were associated with successful implementation of multicomponent fall prevention programs:
• Leadership support
• Engagement of front-line staff in program design
• Guidance of the prevention program by a multidisciplinary committee
• Pilot tests of interventions
• Use of information technology systems to provide data about falls
• Staff education and training
• Changes in nihilistic attitudes about fall prevention
More Articles on Patient Falls:
Patient Safety Tool: Preventing Falls in Hospitals Toolkit From AHRQ
5 Proven Strategies to Prevent Patient Falls
Patient Safety Tool: Roadmap to a Comprehensive Falls Prevention Program
