Reduce Your Hospital Fall Risk
The incidence of falls in hospitals alarming number. National averages indicate that the hospital emergency general experience some 1000000 cases fall in a year. Unfortunately, 30% of them will fall as a result of trauma. Of these injuries, 5% or 52,500 will receive serious injuries, such as hip fracture.
If you or a loved one is in the hospital, must remain vigilant to potential downside risks. This is important because patients and their families can play an important role in creating a safe environment hospital.
All patients should be assessed at admission for potential falls. “Action” plan, then implemented to reduce the likelihood of falling. Unfortunately, the “action plan” is not always respected.
All patients in danger
It is safe to assume that all patients are at particular risk of falling. Violation of mental status (eg, confusion, disorientation), memory impairment, as well as those patients taking medications that act on the central nervous system, such as sedatives and tranquilizers may increase the likelihood of falling.
New products on the market to help hospital staff protects its patients. Bed alarms, as well as traffic signals, which alert staff if someone tries to get out of bed in use. Low bed or Vail “enclosed bed systems” can be used. Physical and chemical constraints continue to be used as well. Many facilities are working to move to the “restraint free” environment, restrictions have not been proven to reduce falls.
Simple exit strategy should also include:
of non-skid footwear
on improved lighting
to minimize interference with the sick
frequent checks on patient
Plan for the Prevention of falls
We all know that accidents do happen. However, be assured that the hospital has a program in order to minimize the risk of falling. The following guidelines will help ensure maximum safety of your loved ones.
1. Request a copy of Fall Prevention Hospital policies and procedures.
2. Review of policies and the actual “treatment plan” to determine whether a safe plan in place.
3. If the limits are not specified, get a copy of the restriction on hospital policies and procedures. The restrictions, if used correctly, can be part of the security plan for the hospital. Nevertheless, restrictions on use may also pose a security risk. Be sure that they are controlled as indicated in the policy limit.
4. Patients should be evaluated continuously to assess the safety and risk. Studies reported that between 16% and 52% of patients may have more than 1 fall during their hospitalization. Be alert for conditions that require changes in their Fall Prevention Action Plan.
5. Depending on the nature of the care of human needs, 24hour nurse may be the only option for security. Hospital staff should assess for this high level of control.
Permanent Monitoring
Effective fall prevention requires constant monitoring. Remain vigilant to ensure that all teachers following safety rules. If necessary, request that someone in authority, to ensure the safety of your loved ones. Hospitalization difficult enough without the added burden of a serious fall.
