What seems to make a successful fall prevention program?
No matter what area of the healthcare facility (ambulatory, procedural, or inpatient), the keys to fall prevention are to: • Assess patients with statistically significant risk factors for a fall. • Make the environment safe for all patients by using core environmental safety practices (e.g., lighting, footwear, bed height, floor surfaces, call lights, patient education, and bed exit monitors). • Match interventions against the fall risk factors identified. For example: Poor gait and balance + confusion = Constant monitoring and assistance for transfers, ambulation, and movement. • Reassess patient risk on a frequent basis. • Make this part of an interdisciplinary clinical practice model (e.g., including MD, RN, PharmD, and Allied Health). • Involve the patient, family, and significant other with education on the importance of risk, prevention, and communication with staff.
