Most Proposed Topic :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service II (projects aiming to enhance clinical safety and outcomes, clinical governance)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Authors: (including presenting author): :
TSANG LF(1), NG CF(1), CHEUNG TP(1), SO KF(1), LEE SW(1), YIM TK(2), WAI HM(2), TANG SK(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Nursing Services Division, United Christian Hospital (2) Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital
Introduction: :
Falls have been reported to be on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, and inpatient falls continue to be a significant problem at United Christian Hospital. It imposes a significant burden on the patient, such as increased injuries and prolonged hospital stays, among others. Various preventive measures are being implemented such as alarm pads, posting fall risk signs, submitting referral to the Fall Assessment Clinical Team (FACT) after a fall for fall risk assessment, and sharing events at respective meetings.
Objectives: :
To reduce the fall incident of in-patient through an enhanced strategies of preventive measures
Methodology: :
A focus group including senior executives and frontline nurses was formed to discuss fall prevention strategies and set out 4 directions outlining “APP” measures for the second quarter of 2023. (A) Awareness A video “Reminder on Fall Prevention for Hospital Inpatients” uploaded at UCH intranet for relatives / patients’ information was promulgated in various meetings. The fall definition of falls was revisited in various meetings. A new analysis framework for falls was developed to effectively address potential areas to be improved. Good practice /measure to prevent in-patient falls in each ward is quarterly shared by fall prevention ward coordinators. An e-learning courseware of fall risk assessment & prevention was developed and could be accessed at e-learning centre. (P) Preventive measures The feasibility of strengthening the implementation of night shift patrol was studied. The feasibility of implementing the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and the improved Functional Walk Classification (MFAC) was investigated. A physical constraint reference card was developed and the design and size of the safety vest were investigated to address the inappropriate size of the restraint used. (P) Protective measure enhancement The feasibility of using specific fall protection devices to minimize the consequence of falls was studied.
Result & Outcome: :
From Q4 2022 to Q4 2023, the fall incident rate at UCH was found in a decreasing trend from 0.6 to 0.44. The enhanced strategies of preventive measures led to a 26.7 % reduction in fall incidents in hospital. These measures would keep on-going implementation in respective wards.
