Patient falls: profile for prevention.
Patient falls are common in the hospital or long-term care setting. In a large Southwestern teaching hospital, patient falls have been monitored on an ongoing basis. A multidisciplinary task force developed a method of identifying patient fall risk factors. A survey was used concurrently as falls were reported during the month of July. Forty-seven falls were reported. Of this sample, neurological patients accounted for 12 (25.5%) of the incidents. The neurological patient fall profile was identified as a high-risk profile, and interventions were taken to prevent falls in this group. A second data collection was conducted six months later with this population. While the number of patients on the neurological services remained constant, the incidence of falls decreased (25%). By using a comprehensive approach of data collection and assessment, education, and follow-up, the institution has decreased neurological patient falls.
D000056:Accident Prevention; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001364:Awareness; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing; D009732:Nursing Care; D012306:Risk; D013997:Time Factors