Telling family of pt falls

[lavender rose]

I'd like to know from many of you: When a pt falls and you need to tell the family members, how are ways to tell them when you make that phone call. thanks.

[Straydandelion]

I would first call the doctor to let them know.. then call the primary family member responsible for the patient and be as factual as possible describing the fall, what was done and any injuries related to the fall. I would then let them know what the facillity is doing, that the doctor was notified and the plan of care to attempt to prevent future falls.

[Sunflowerinsc, ADN, RN]

We have a strict policy to follow for falls including notifying the family member.

After taking care of the pt,ect, call shift supervisor, Doc, family. Vital signs, special accident report, notify risk control . CT of head if pt hit head.

That is just the paper work

[diane227, LPN, RN]

First of all, I look at the patient and I then call the doctor. After that I call the family and tell them what happened and tell them what we are doing to prevent this from occurring again. This should be done by the charge nurse on the floor.

[rn undisclosed name]

I don't notify the family at my hospital. It is the docs responsibility. I work at a teaching hospital. When I worked at a community hospital I did call the family. I tell them the basics. I let them know we round frequently on the patient. What happened during the fall that they have been instructed to use the call light and if the pt is being compliant with the use of the call light. If the pt is not being compliant I will have family talk to the pt and get them involved. I let them know the pt is now on fall precautions if they weren't previously. Of course if the pt hit their head they would get a ct. In addition to telling the doc I let whoever is in charge know of the fall as well as the nurses aide if they weren't already aware.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

In LTC, we call the family about every change in status. (well, we should)

Simply call and state the facts. "Mrs Smith, I'm calling about your mother. We found her sitting on the floor. She said she fell getting out of bed to go to work. After assessing her, we noted no injury. The doctor was notified. We try to prevent all accidents like this, so we will be notifiying our Interdisciplinary Team of this. Right now, we helped her back to bed and have placed an alarm on her bed, she was also showed how to use the call bell and I even reminded her to just yell (yeah...I know) for me or an aid if she needs help. We will be keeping a closer eye tonite and if anything changes, we will notify you and the doctor. Do you have any questions?"

Yes...these things happen a lot in LTC. Most often, the family will be prepared for these type of calls.

Simply tell the facts, what you did for the pt and what you will try to do to prevent future falls. Of course...DOCUMENT!

[lavender rose]

In LTC, we call the family about every change in status. (well, we should)

Simply call and state the facts. "Mrs Smith, I'm calling about your mother. We found her sitting on the floor. She said she fell getting out of bed to go to work. After assessing her, we noted no injury. The doctor was notified. We try to prevent all accidents like this, so we will be notifiying our Interdisciplinary Team of this. Right now, we helped her back to bed and have placed an alarm on her bed, she was also showed how to use the call bell and I even reminded her to just yell (yeah...I know) for me or an aid if she needs help. We will be keeping a closer eye tonite and if anything changes, we will notify you and the doctor. Do you have any questions?"

Yes...these things happen a lot in LTC. Most often, the family will be prepared for these type of calls.

Simply tell the facts, what you did for the pt and what you will try to do to prevent future falls. Of course...DOCUMENT!

thanks michelle that is great information and to discuss on the phone with family