Action Teams- Falls

[Photogal]

We all know that there are certain processes which a LTCF have to do to remain in compliance with the powers-to-be (i.e CMS). But sometimes these tasks become so mundane they lose a good sense of purpose and drive. I've been given the task of piping a little life back into a falls committee at my facility. The same folks have participated for a long time. They have had little success in getting new comers to join into the meeting process. I would like to see any staff member who interacts with our residents drawn into the committee regardless of the department they hail from. I don't want to take a top down approach to chairing this committee. Staff needs to see this QA process as a tool for them, by them. I tried to engage committee members in a little discussion about the goals and plans for 2014 but was met with a lot of "We've tried...", "No one has the time..." (blank stair). This facility is blessed to have more time then some, that's not a big obstacle. Can anyone share task force and action committee practices from their facilities? Perhaps practices specific to quality assurance assessment of falls? Any thoughts of how to spice up a not-always-exciting process/topic?

[DHawkinsrn]

Falls are a huge issue in LTC. On our falls committee we did "fall" rounds. For each resident that fallen that week we visited "the scene of the crime" where the person fell to understand what was happening at the time. Also did a lot of part B referrals to therapy, and positioning referrrals to therapy for anyone who fell out of their wheelchair. Meetings are only effective if something changes after the meeting is concluded.

[pinkiepinkPN]

Falls are a huge issue in LTC. On our falls committee we did "fall" rounds. For each resident that fallen that week we visited "the scene of the crime" where the person fell to understand what was happening at the time. Also did a lot of part B referrals to therapy and positioning referrrals to therapy for anyone who fell out of their wheelchair. Meetings are only effective if something changes after the meeting is concluded.[/quote']

I don't have anything intelligent to add. I am beached on the couch recovering from my VERY FIRST on my own as an LPN in LTC. And during this day I had two falls and a resident death.

The death was inevitable. The falls...they don't HAVE TO be! Oh I wanted to cry.

[DHawkinsrn]

I don't have anything intelligent to add. I am beached on the couch recovering from my VERY FIRST on my own as an LPN in LTC. And during this day I had two falls and a resident death.

The death was inevitable. The falls...they don't HAVE TO be! Oh I wanted to cry.

Hope your day gets better! Deaths are hard! Falls during a crisis is harder!