Class Discussion

Preventing In-Patient Falls

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Preventing In-Patient Falls

Chu's (2017) journal article about preventing in-patient falls is very educative, interesting, and relevant to what we are preparing to do in nursing practice. The article explains evidence-based nursing interventions to keep in-patients safe while receiving care. For hospitalized patients, falls are major safety issue that reduce their quality of life and increase the length of hospital stay. The article explains various staff and hospital-related factors that can impact the risk of patient falls, including call lights, chair and bed alarms, nurse-to-patient ratio, and environmental factors. Sensory impairment, aging, gait and balance diseases are explained to be patient-related factors that increase the risk of falls. Numerous evidence-based measures can reduce or prevent falls for hospitalized patients. Hourly rounding makes patients feel safe and less apprehensive as it addresses patient's needs utilizing the "4 Ps" (pain, position, potty, and possessions), therefore preventing falls. Good communication about call light, patient potioning, and calling for assistance is core to reducing falls. Medical reviews and education on falls can reduce falls.

References

Chu, R. Z. (2017). Preventing in-patient falls: The nurse's pivotal role. Nursing2020, 47(3), 24-30.