Newly hired nurses will reduce incidence of patient falls by 20% within six months through the im...
1. Use a standardized fall risk assessment for each patient
1.1. Assess fall risk factors using Morse Falls Scale (MFS) upon admission
1.1.1. Check the patient's mobility status
1.1.2. Check if patient has a secondary diagnosis
1.1.3. Check the patient's cognitive impairment
1.1.4. Check the patient's history of falls
1.1.5. Check the patient's medication that increase fall risk
1.2. Re-assess every 12-hour shift, following a fall, and with change of condition.
2. Communicate risk for falls for each patient
2.1. Include fall risk information in all hand-off communication
2.1.1. Document fall risk information in the electronic health record.
2.2. Inform the fall risk information to the patient, the family, and all members of the healthcare team
2.2.1. Ensure the patient and their family knows how to use the call light
2.2.1.1. Ensure that the patient and their family are in reach of the call light
2.2.1.2. Encourage the patient and their family to use the call light.
2.2.2. Acclimate patient and their family to the setting
2.2.2.1. Make sure the patient and their family know how to use all assistive devices (grab bars)
2.2.2.2. Make sure the patient and the family can locate assistive devices (grab bars) and necessary items.
2.3. Use a signaling system for all patients assessed as being at moderate or high risk for falls.
2.3.1. All patients at high fall risk (MFS score ≥ 46) will wear a yellow gown to identify them as high risk.
2.3.2. Patients at moderate to high fall risk (MFS score ≥ 25) will have a yellow "Fall Risk" wrist band.
2.3.2.1. Place the falling star signage outside the patient's room
2.3.2.2. Place yellow gripper-slipper socks on the patient.
3. Use a standardized post-fall protocol for all patient incidents
3.1. Document the incident in the medical record
3.1.1. Record the outcome
3.1.2. Record the initial observation
3.1.3. Record the ongoing observations
3.2. Update the patient's fall risk assessment and care plan.
3.3. Notify the patient's medical provider at the time of the incident
3.3.1. Schedule an interdisciplinary review of the patient's care
3.4. Inform all clinical team members at hand off about the incident
3.4.1. Inform all clinical team members of any changes to care plan and possible investigation process