Falls; a study in an academic hospital setting
27 August 2008
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Falls and fall-related injuries in hospitals are a common occurrence and a major concern for hospital personnel, patients and their families. In 2006, the Connecticut Department of Public Health reported that falls accounted for 42% of reportable adverse events in Connecticut hospitals. A new Medicare ruling has brought more attention to the problem of hospital falls and placed new emphasis on prevention. As of October 2008, Medicare will no longer cover the extra costs of treating injuries from falls that occur during hospitalization. While more fall prevention interventions in the community and even in nursing home settings have been successful, studies of most fall prevention programs in hospitals have produced varying results
A recent study of the epidemiology of hospital in paitent falls, their characteristics and circumstances was conducted in a 1300 bed facility over a thirteen week period. A multifaceted intervention program was used which included daily assessment of fall risk, review of the prevention measures with the patient or family, signage, and other strategies resulted in a reduction of falls by 23%.
Source: CT Collaboration for Fall Prevention. ©2005, Mary E. Tinetti, M.D
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