Fall prevention

[big-N]

Lately we've been having frequent falls on our floor. I need suggestions on how to prevent this occurences.

[KLKRN, RN]

What type floor is it? Is t patient or staff or visitors falling? What type facility?

Nursing homes have beds that go down to the floor to prevent falls. Hospitals have fall precautions protocols and doctors can write orders for a sitter if necessary. Family can come and sit with the pt if possible.

Often when an elderly person falls, it's the first sign of an infection. We had a standing order to do a UA/C&S on everyone who fell where I worked for a time.

The cause of the fall should always be evaluated. Sedated? Confused? Anxious? In pain? Trying to get to the bathroom? Wet floor? No lights on? Call light not in reach?

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

I think the evidence based practice shows that most falls can be prevented with frequent checking, offering toileting at adequate intervals, offering fluids. Making sure call lights are within reach at all times, including using hand held call lights when needed. Using bed alert devices and frequently asking the patient if there is anything they need or if they have to use the bathroom prior to leaving the room.

We have improved our falls dramatically in the last year. Im wanting to say we have had maybe 1 over the last year. Good luck, i know its a big hurdle to cross to get those numbers down.

[swee2000]

Does your facility &/or unit use bed alarms/checks? If so, are they set-up and plugged-in correctly? Does your unit utilize sitters to stay with the patients?

At my hospital, we do not need a doctor's order to apply a bed check or to have a sitter with a patient. But I realize that's not the case everywhere.