- Fall Prevention
Reduce readmission rates associated with falls
An interdisciplinary approach to help reduce fall-related readmissions
Broken wrists, arms and ankles are common, and hip fractures hospitalize at least 300,000 elderly patients annually. Head injuries can also cause serious problems, especially if these patients are taking certain medications such as blood thinners.
Even if a resident or patient avoids injury, their fear of falling again may cause them to change their daily routine or avoid activities they once enjoyed. Less frequent activity can lead to greater physical weakness, which can increase the chance of falling.
To reduce readmission rates associated with falls, post-acute care providers should focus on an interdisciplinary team approach to safety that emphasizes education and preventive measures like keeping critical supplies and equipment on hand.
Fall Prevention: By The Numbers
According to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a multi-component fall prevention program can reduce the risk for falls by as much as thirty percent. More than one-third of people over the age of 65 fall each year.
2-3X
more likely to fall, after falling once
1:5
falls cause a serious injury
$34B
fall-related health care costs
2.8M
older adults are treated for fall injuries in the ER
800K
are hospitalized due to fall injuries
Risk factors for falls
Pay careful attention to conditions that can increase the likelihood of a fall, such as:
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Difficulty balancing or walking
- Foot pain
- Problems with vision
- Lower body weakness
- Medication use, including tranquilizers, sedatives, anti-depressants or over-the-counter drugs
- Home hazards, such as broken or uneven steps, throw rugs, cluttered spaces or poor lighting
Preventing Falls
Many risk factors can be changed or modified to help prevent falls, and in turn, reduce the likelihood of fall-related readmissions. Encourage older adults to:
Review medications with a healthcare provider
Get an eye exam
Perform strength and balance exercises
Create a safer environment by removing tripping hazards, adding grab bars, railings and lighting
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Best practices for post-acute care
You are the first line of defense against falls. To reduce readmission rates associated with falls, work together in an interdisciplinary team approach – one that includes direct care and administrative staff.
- Designate a “Fall Champion” who can identify and analyze potential or actual fall hazards
- Evaluate and monitor interventions for effectiveness and update a patient’s plan of care, as necessary
- Use a fall risk factors checklist as part of the initial screening and assessment process for older adults
- Train clinical staff on the risk factors for falls and effective prevention methods. Studies show a direct correlation between education and a reduction in falls.
- Educate older adults, as well as their families and caregivers, about what causes falls and how to prevent them
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Sources:
https://annals.org/aim/fullarticle/1656443/inpatient-fall-prevention-programs-patient-safety-strategy-systematic-review
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/
https://www.ncoa.org/wp-content/uploads/FallsActionPlan_2015-FINAL.pdf
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/7-elements-of-successful-fall-prevention-program-implementation.html
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0801748
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