Can this tool be used in the various service-lines or case-mixes found in most acute-care facilities (e.g., med-surg, emergency, oncology, critical care, transplant, etc.)?
Yes. The research was done in a large, randomized study and so far, feedback suggests that the H2Model can be used generically across the acute-care/skilled-care environments as an effective screening tool. When the 8 risk factors are used with environmental safety precautions, and specific interventions are matched against the identified risk factor, a significant number of falls can be prevented. Since 1989, Hendrich has been advocating a unit-based approach to successful fall prevention programs. The H2Model risk factors seem to cut across nearly all patient populations. For example, patients returning from acute-care surgeries often experience some short-term confusion or decreased level of orientation as a result of anesthesia or narcotics. Further, they may have altered gait or get-up-and-go performance due to weakness, pain, and/or side effects of the medications. Elimination may be altered due to catheters, frequency, or bed rest. Within a day or sometimes less, this same patie
