title: Close observation unit to prevent falls and minimize use of patient care companions.
abstract: Fall rates and patient companion use were examined after opening a close observation unit (COU) for patients with internal medicine diagnoses. Of 2023 patients (COU, n = 145; internal medicine unit, n = 1878), COU patients had more neurologic and psychiatric problems, had a longer mean length of stay, and were discharged home less often than internal medicine unit patients. Although COU patients had higher acuity, there were no differences between groups in fall rates per 100 patient-days and no use of patient companions in the COU.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Education and Professional Development (Ms Skowronsky), Quantitative Health Sciences (Mr Bena), and Nursing Institute-Office of Nursing Research and Innovation (Dr Albert), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Skowronsky
authors.forename: James F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Bena
authors.forename: Nancy M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Albert
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers; D033062:Friends; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D005791:Patient Care / Q000379:methods*; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012189:Retrospective Studies