Falls – a case study A provider’s perspective Liz Leaman 16 April 2013

Background 90 year old female resident admitted 2010 PMH Parkinson’s disease, UTIs, faints Multiple falls prior to admission Multiple falls during admission Hospital/paramedics interventions Injuries including wounds, bruising, concussion, especially head injuries Falls – a case study

Investigations Environmental issues Clinical investigations Tissue viability Falls risk assessment Referral to physio Parkinson’s nurse specialist review GP review/meds review Monitor fluid intake ‘Measles’ map Falls – a case study

When completing the incident report and falls incident analysis, consider: Place and time Surface type and condition Lighting Mobility and walking aids Type and direction of fall Glasses and footwear Medication Food and drink Events leading up to the fall Risk assessment Falls – a case study

Guidance for completing the Falls prevention tool From admission onwards Is the resident mobile or immobile? Who completes the document? Storage and review Falls incident analysis form Falls – a case study

Issues to consider Communication Response from MDT Staff training External understanding Review implementation and documents. Falls – a case study

Outcome Reduction in falls Increased well-being of resident Greater understanding of staff Reduced staff time (responding to falls, wound care, incident reports etc) Falls – a case study

Next steps Care review, Resident, relatives and staff involvement Falls action plan Environment, activity Reviews/Audit Falls – a case study