They May Be Young, They May Be Healthy....So....Why Do They Fall?
- Associate the normal physiologic changes in pregnancy to the increase risk of fall.
- Differentiate accidental falls, antipated falls and unanticpated physiologic falls.
- Apply fall reduction interventions to their own clinical practice setting.
Proposed change: To reduce patient harm from a fall through fall risk assessment and education of nursing staff and families.
Implementation, outcomes and evaluation: Our institution complied with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of healthcare organizations (JCAHO) requirement to implement a fall reduction program and complete a fall risk assessment on admission, upon transfer to another level of care and when there is a change in condition. Obstetrics, not considered to be at high risk for fall, were included in the guidelines but with minimal input from the obstetrical staff. Once the Fall reporting system was in place, fall events were reported that identified that the OB population were no longer at low risk for fall but just at risk for fall as a 65 year old. Reports were reviewed by which themes and opportunities were identified for fall risk education of both nursing staff and patients. A review of the literature identified available fall risk assessment tools of which a user friendly tool was identified. The initiative is continually being evaluated through staff feedback and from the institutions fall reporting system.
Implications for nursing practice: Fall interventions for the obstetrical patient are similar to all age groups but one must consider that the postpartum patient is also the primary caregiver in the family centered care enviornment. Reducing falls during hospitalization is of great importance, yet equally important is reducing the incidence of accidental falls during pregnancy through education and increased awareness by the healthcare provider.The presentation is geared not only to the bedside nurse but to healthcare providers from all care settings.
Keywords: Fall Risk Assessment, Morse Fall Scoring System
