Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan WC(1), Chau LP(1), Chui WC(1), Lee HM(1), Ng SC(1), Tam OM(1), Wong LY(1), Yan KK(1), Woo YS(1), Chan PT(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Introduction :
Fall alarm pads are effective in alerting the caregivers when patients exit their beds. However, 81% staff in Surgical Department reported that they never applied the fall alarm pad in a week according to 2017 CND fall alarm pad survey report. We would like to review and promulgate the uses of fall alarm pad as the usage rate of it in Surgical Department was relatively low.
Objectives :
•To promote the uses of fall alarm pad in Surgical Department •To figure out if there are any improvement on staff’s perception on the uses of fall alarm pad after different promotion strategies done •To evaluate the usage rate of fall alarm pad in Surgical Department
Methodology :
•Several introduction sessions were arranged in 2018 to ensure adequate training was provided to ward staff on the uses of fall alarm pad. •Post fall investigation meetings were arranged since 2018 to analyze every fall incident in Surgical Department and discussed any potential case which might be prevented by the application of fall alarm pad. •A fall alarm pad survey had been conducted on 2018 in Surgical Department. Result showed that the fall alarm pad is effective on fall prevention if suitable patient was selected with appropriate placement of the alarm pad. •Promotion from the fall link nurses has been conducting to convince frontline staff proactively to apply the fall alarm pad.
Result & Outcome :
A survey on staff’s perception on fall alarm pad was conducted in August 2019 by Surgical Department, the results of the survey were compared with the 2017 CND survey as follow: •81% staff reported that they never applied the fall alarm pad to patients in 2017 survey. The number decreased to 12.5% in 2019 survey. •50% staff agreed that the fall alarm pad is useful for patient fall prevention in 2017 survey. The percentage increased to 83% in 2019 survey. •36% staff expressed that they would suggest their colleagues to use the alarm pad for patient fall prevention in 2017 survey. The percentage increased to 90% in 2019 survey. Conclusion: The uses of fall alarm pad in QEH Surgical Department had been improved in a large extent. Staff also showed positive perception on the fall alarm pad towards patient fall prevention. With active promulgation from fall prevention link nurses and regular reviews by the fall prevention workgroup, the appropriateness of application of fall alarm pad is ensured with effective outcomes.
