Welcome to Patient Safety Practices Training: Preventing Falls

Preventing Falls Introduction Preventing Falls training is a New Employee Orientation requirement and must be completed within 60 days of start date. At the end of the course you will find a post test. A score of 80% is required to pass.

Preventing Falls Course Content This curriculum is designed for and relevant to all SCCA employees.

Preventing Falls To recognize why falls are a risk for SCCA patients Course Objectives To recognize why falls are a risk for SCCA patients To identify components of the SCCA Fall Prevention Program To list methods of assisting SCCA patients to help prevent falls

Preventing Falls Definitions A fall is defined as the loss of original position that results in landing on the floor, ground or an object (example: furniture) Harm is defined as a disruption of structure or function of some part of the body as a result of a fall (this could be a scratch or a broken bone)

Most falls are not random… They are patterned, predictable, and PREVENTABLE

Preventing Falls 40% of people who fall will fall again National Fall Statistics 40% of people who fall will fall again 2/3 of accidental deaths in older adults are due to falls 6-10% of falls result in a serious injury or death

Preventing Falls Do we have falls at the SCCA? Yes

Preventing Falls People with cancer may be more likely to fall Factors: Cancer Type (Brain tumors, Multiple Myeloma) Brain, Bone Metastases Fatigue Anemia Peripheral Neuropathy (numbness in feet) Weakness Multiple Medications Multiple tubes and lines (oxygen, IV tubing)

Preventing Falls What makes the SCCA patient more at risk for injury if they do fall? Thrombocytopenia (Low number of platelets) = may cause dangerous bleeding problems Bone Metastases =Bones may break more easily Long term Steroid Use = bones may break more easily and skin may be more fragile

Preventing Falls Characteristics of SCCA patients who fall Females are more likely to fall than males Average age = 48 Average number of medications that may increase risk for Falling = 2.5 (opioids, benzodiazepines, antiepileptics, antihypertensives, psychiatric medications and chronic steroids)

Preventing Falls Where do SCCA Patients fall? 1=Infusion 2=Clinic grounds 3=Alliance lab 4=BMT clinic/LTFU 5=GenOncHem clinic 6=Radiology 7=Other 8=All Women’s Center 9=Procedure 10=Apheresis 11=Observation Area

Preventing Falls When do SCCA Patients fall? SITUATIONS

Preventing Falls SCCA Fall Prevention Program Components Environmental Awareness: Employees receive training about Fall Prevention, with an emphasis on keeping the environment safe. Patient Education: Patients receive education about preventing falls in the clinic and the home Fall Risk Screening: SCCA patients are screened regularly for fall risk. Risk Reduction: Care providers use risk reduction strategies with patients who are at risk of falling. Communication: If a patient falls in the clinic, this is communicated to other care providers with electronic alerts in EPIC and ORCA Post-Fall Management: We follow a safety plan for people who fall Fall Quality Improvement Plan: Falls are investigated, looking for ways to learn from all falls, and make changes to prevent future falls.

Preventing Falls Fall Prevention – How you can help Keep clinic furniture straightened and pathways clear If you encounter a spilled liquid, ensure it is cleaned up as quickly as possible—have someone stand guard at the spill while you get materials to wipe it up or request housekeeping Offer assistance to patients who look unsteady Hold doors open for patients Hold elevators for patients If you see a patient hurrying to go through a door you are holding, tell them, “take your time, I can wait”

Preventing Falls Fall Prevention – How you can help If you use a wheelchair, make sure the footrests are attached to prevent wheelchair falls Return wheelchairs to designated locations so they are available when needed Keep patients and family members off exam room rolling stools Call for help if you see a patient fall

Look for this icon on your computer desktop Preventing Falls Fall Prevention – How you can help Help the SCCA to maintain a safe environment– report your concerns If you see conditions in our environment that are unsafe (examples: burned out lights, snags or wrinkles in the carpet) speak up to your manager or enter a Patient Safety Net event (PSN) Look for this icon on your computer desktop

Preventing Falls Thank you! You have now completed the SCCA Preventing Falls Training. To complete the requirement and receive credit please close this module and from the instruction page open the associated test by clicking the “Take the Test” button below the course document.