Up With Mobility Down With Falls

Project Topic

Fall prevention

Hospital Units

Medicine 1 and Medicine 2

CSI Participants

Theresa Benavidez, BSN, RN-BC
Monsey Garcia-Oliva, BSN, RN
Robyn Griffin, RN
Shea Winkler, BSN, RN

Project Goals/Objectives

1. To decrease patient fall rates across both units
2. To improve patient mobility during hospitalization
3. To decrease overall length of stay for patients on the units

Project Outcomes

1. Reduced number of falls by three between both units compared to previous year
2. Trained staff and patients on fall prevention and proper body mechanics
3. These outcomes resulted in an estimated annual fiscal impact of $34,436.

Project Overview

The Medicine 1 and Medicine 2 units have historically struggled with increased patient falls compared to other hospital units. It is well known that patient falls can lead to disability, injury and even patient death.

Although staff on both units work diligently to prevent patient falls and harm, our team identified several educational gaps and opportunities. Staff on the units lacked knowledge about proper body mechanics, assessment tools for patient mobility and equipment such as lifts for safe patient transfers.

We engaged the Physical Therapy team to provide staff training on proper body mechanics to staff in both unit, and lifts were purchased to facilitate safe patient transfers. Staff reported that the education made them feel safer when assessing patient mobility and attempting mobilization.

After six months, we saw a slight decrease in patient falls between the two units. The goal is to have our project implemented across our facility, and to continue improving patient safety. We continue to revise our patient assessment tools and search for ways to improve patient mobility.