Journal Article: WakeMed Journal Article Summary-Do No Harm : A Multifactorial Approach to Preventing Emergency Department Falls

Do No Harm : A Multifactorial Approach to Preventing Emergency Department Falls

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This case study focuses on a quality improvement project aimed at preventing falls in the emergency department (ED). Falls in the ED can result in increased healthcare costs and patient harm. The article discusses the challenges of preventing falls in the fast-paced ED setting and the lack of specific research and screening tools for ED falls.<br /><br />The project implemented a multifactorial approach to fall prevention, including triage-based fall risk assessment, new monitoring technologies, improved post-event analysis, awareness, and recognition activities. The project took place in a Level 1 trauma center that had an average rate of 62 falls per year, with 15% resulting in injury prior to the initiative.<br /><br />After analyzing factors contributing to falls, the department implemented key interventions such as the Chaperone Stretcher Exit Alarm, staff education, and sustained focus for two years. As a result, there was a 27% decrease in adult ED patient falls and a 66% decrease in falls with injury.<br /><br />The methods used in the project included a single-unit quality improvement intervention, comparing post-intervention data to historic rates, and a comprehensive falls program developed through a departmental gap analysis and retrospective review.<br /><br />The findings highlight the importance of improved staff knowledge, patient screening, and available equipment/resources in preventing falls. The use of stretchers with exit alarms contributed to significant cost savings associated with the reduction of falls and falls with injury, as well as reduced need for additional personnel costs.<br /><br />Overall, the case study demonstrates the effectiveness of a multifaceted approach to fall prevention in the ED, including the use of technology such as stretchers with alarms. The findings suggest that emergency departments can address the complex problem of falls through targeted interventions and a focus on safe patient handling.<br /><br />For more information about the technology or process discussed in the article, readers are encouraged to reach out to their local Stryker account manager or clinical nurse consultant.<br /><br />Reference:<br />Cook, N., Komansky, B. Urton, M (2020). Do No Harm: A multifactorial approach to preventing emergency department falls – a quality improvement project. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 46 (5), 666-674.

Keywords

falls prevention

emergency department

healthcare costs

patient harm

fall risk assessment

monitoring technologies

Chaperone Stretcher Exit Alarm

staff education

stretchers with exit alarms

safe patient handling