The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority and the Health Care Improvement Foundation launched a falls reporting initiative in 2008. The organizations distributed quarterly comparison reports to the 29 participating hospitals from the fourth quarter of 2008 through the third quarter of 2010. Hospitals used the reports to track and measure their progress.
The hospitals that showed the greatest reduction in falls and falls with harm had several common elements in their reporting and prevention programs. These elements include the following:
1. Establishment of a multidisciplinary team focused on falls.
2. Review and analysis of falls data.
3. Performance of falls risk assessment on admission and reassessment at prescribed intervals.
4. Use of visual cues to communicate falls risk.
5. Use of bed-exit alarms.
6. Implementation of one-to-one observation or sitters.
7. Enforcement of patient rounding.
8. Promotion of patient education.
More Articles on Hospital Quality:
Study: Kaiser Permanente Uses Video to Improve Patient-Centered Care
Medicare Innovations Collaborative Implements Geriatric Care Models
Study: Specialized Hospital Care for Older Adults Saved Nearly $1k Per Patient
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.