Hospitalized Inpatient Fall with Injury
Falls commonly happen in the hospital because it is an unfamiliar environment presenting a higher risk for falling. In the United States, falls with injury was a leading cause of death. Annually there are over 800,000 patients hospitalized for an injury from a fall, often for a head injury or hip fracture. A patient fall in the hospital may result in serious injury with possible life threatening consequences (CDC).
According to National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI), a hospitalized patient fall is a sudden, unintentional descent, with or without injury to the patient, that results in the patient coming to rest on the floor, on or against another surface or on an object. We will assess you for your risk for falls and injury from a fall. To reduce falls, we are here for you and will know you are at risk for a fall. We will implement fall risk reducing interventions to prevent injury.
What can cause a fall?
Below is a list of risk factors identified through research as contributing to falling (CDC).
- Lower body weakness
- Difficulties with walking and balance
- Use of medicines, such as tranquilizers, sedatives or antidepressants
- Vision problems
- Foot pain or poor footwear
- Environmental hazards such as clutter or uneven surfaces
How is The Queen’s Health System Performing Compared to the Nation?
Inpatient falls with injury is reported out to the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) to evaluate nursing care at the unit level (per 1,000 patient days). The data is compared to similar hospitals and units on a national level. We learn from the data and make improvements to provide our patients with the highest quality care. The Queen’s Health System is committed to reducing hospitalized patient falls with injury.
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What can we do together to prevent a fall with injury?
To reduce falls, we will work with you to reduce risk of falls and aim to keep you safe. Please use your call light to notify staff when you may need assistance. Non-skid socks will be provided for your comfort and safety. Let us know if you use a walking aid (walker, cane, etc.) at home to foster function and safe movement.
Often falls occur when patients get out of bed to go to the bathroom. We are here to assist you safely to the bathroom. For your safety, there may be times when a staff member will remain with you in the bathroom. A bed or chair alarm may be used to alert staff of patient movement. Use of a gait belt may be used to help us safely move with you. Staff will regularly check-in or round with you to help you move better and meet your needs. We are honored to care for you, to keep you safe, and to support your physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.
