Authors (including presenting author) :
Wan SY, Chan MK, Chow LH, Li TL, Yu LF
Affiliation :
Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Kwong Wah Hospital
Introduction :
Fall causes potential serious consequences. Most of the fall incidents are preventable. In view of an increasing trend of fall incidents, a fall prevention quality improvement project was initiated in Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (O&T) since 5/2019. The fall data demonstrated more than 60% fall incidents related to need elimination of the patient on top of the high proportion of patients in O&T having mobility problem. The comprehensive interventions are delivered and aiming to reduce the number of fall and fall related injury in O&T ward.
Objectives :
(1) To improve staff awareness and compliance on fall prevention measures
(2) To enhance the communication among staff, patient and relative
(3) To reduce fall rate
Methodology :
Implement the following interventions to prevent fall:
1) Increase staff alertness on fall management:
Staff training sessions on fall risk assessment and prevention management.
Thereafter nursing audit would be performed.
The unit-based fall prevention workgroup is delegated to monitor and facilitate the fall prevention program.
Case sharing session conducts by workgroup member to enhance staff’s awareness.
2) Promote the awareness of patient and relative on fall hazard:
Ward orientation to patient and relative on admission.
Provide leaflets and display fall prevention information board at corridor.
Place pop up alert card on high-risk patient’s table during visiting hour to enhance the communication among ward staff and relative.
3) Improve the ward practice and fall preventive equipment utilization:
Implement regular comfort round to address patient’s need.
Apply fall alarm pad for the high-risk patient with mental status scored 15marks and gait impairment.
Result & Outcome :
Staff compliance in the fall prevention management audit was improved.
Fall incident related to elimination has 30 % reduction.
Fall rate in 2020 2Q has reduced by 43% compared to 2019 2Q.
