Figaro L Loresto1, Casey Grant, Jamie Solberg, Kathryn Eron. 1. Department of Research, Innovation, and Professional Practice, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora (Dr Loresto); and Departments of Nursing (Mss Grant and Solberg) and Orthopedics (Ms Eron), Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Colorado.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Inpatient falls remain challenging with repercussions that can include patient injury and increased hospital expense. Fall rates were consistently above the national benchmark. An initiative to reduce fall rates was use of Fall Champion Audits (FCAs). PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of FCAs on patient fall rates. METHODS: FCAs were piloted on a medical-oncology unit. An interrupted time series design was used to assess the effect of FCAs on fall rates. INTERVENTION: FCA is an audit conducted by the unit fall champion that assesses fall risk, interventions, and barriers among staff and patients. RESULTS: Analysis suggested a significant decrease in fall rates from pre- (3.75) to postimplementation (1.62). FCAs worked in conjunction with a division-wide fall program in reducing fall rate. CONCLUSIONS: FCAs, in conjunction with a fall program, are a feasible intervention in reducing fall rates.
BACKGROUND: Inpatient falls remain challenging with repercussions that can include patient injury and increased hospital expense. Fall rates were consistently above the national benchmark. An initiative to reduce fall rates was use of Fall Champion Audits (FCAs). PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of FCAs on patient fall rates. METHODS: FCAs were piloted on a medical-oncology unit. An interrupted time series design was used to assess the effect of FCAs on fall rates. INTERVENTION: FCA is an audit conducted by the unit fall champion that assesses fall risk, interventions, and barriers among staff and patients. RESULTS: Analysis suggested a significant decrease in fall rates from pre- (3.75) to postimplementation (1.62). FCAs worked in conjunction with a division-wide fall program in reducing fall rate. CONCLUSIONS: FCAs, in conjunction with a fall program, are a feasible intervention in reducing fall rates.