Evidence-Based Falls Prevention in CAHs (Policy Brief #24)

Authors

Karen B. Pearson MLIS, MA, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow
Andrew F. Coburn PhD, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow

Document Type

Policy Brief

Publication Date

12-2012

Keywords

falls, CAHs, evidence-based, quality improvement, patient safety, hospitals, rural, MRHRC, USM Aging Initiative, Health and Wellness, Policy

Abstract

Inpatient falls are a serious patient safety problem in Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). Injuries from falls are also costly -- it is estimated that patients injured in a fall sustain upwards of 60% higher total charges than other hospitalized patients. This brief is one in a series of policy briefs identifying and assessing evidence-based patient safety and quality improvement interventions appropriate for use by state Flex Programs and CAHs.

Key Findings:

• Hospital falls are a serious patient safety problem, accounting for nearly 84% of all inpatient incidents. Most falls commonly occur as a result of medication related issues, toileting needs, and hospital environmental conditions.
• Effective falls interventions target both intrinsic (e.g. physiologic) and extrinsic (e.g. environmental) risk factors.
• Effective falls prevention teams are interdisciplinary and are embedded in a culture of patient safety.
• Education for and communication across all staff contributes to successful falls prevention programs.

Funding Organization

Office of Rural Health Policy

Grant Number

PHS Grant No. U27RH01080

Recommended Citation

Pearson, K. B., & Coburn, A. F. (2011). Evidence-based falls prevention in critical access hospitals. (Policy Brief #24). Portland, ME: Flex Monitoring Team.