Statistics
Each year in NSW, approximately how many hospitalisations are caused by falls?
17,000
27,000
37,000?
27,000
What are some of the immediate actions you should take if you were to find a women on the floor and you suspect a fall has occurred?
Basic Life Support (DRS ABCD)
Rapid Assessment - Do not move until assessed ( Pain, injury, fracture..)
Observations BP. P. R. T. Sp02. BSL, Pain Score, Neuro)
Name two interventions you can when caring for a new mother that will reduce her falls risk?
Environmental safety - ie: place call bell, bedside table close
Remind new mums to ask / wait for assistance when first walking to the bathroom
Put bed brakes on / Furniture at the appropriate height
Encourage non slip footwear
In NSW, approximately how many deaths occur due to falls?
150
900
400?
400
What are the recommended ongoing observations after a suspected fall?
Bp. P. R. T. Sp02. Pain Score, Neuro obs, BGL (if indicated) at least hourly for 4 hours
4 hourly for next 24 hours or as clinically indicated
Name three pieces of education you can share with new parents to keep baby safe from falling?
Speak about safety when bathing and changing baby
Highlight importance of putting baby to sleep on their back in their own cot next to them
Provide advice about the risk of falling asleep while feeding or holding baby
Advise them to transport their baby in the cot rather than their arms within the maternity unit
True or false:
People falling account for the highest health system costs for injury and are more than double that of road trauma?
True
True or False...
All patient falls are to be reported to a medical officer for review.
True (no matter how seemingly minor)
Where can you find out about specific exercises or mobility aids recommended for pregnant women to maintain balance and reduce falls risks?
What are three antenatal falls risks?
Mobility problems
Pre-existing Maternal medical conditions
Seizure disorders
Mental Health issues
APH
True or false...
After a fall, the patients falls status is changed to 'high risk' - this is recorded in the clinical records and a revised care plan is completed.
TRUE
What are three pieces of information that should be included in the health care record after a fall?
Witnessed or not witnessed
position patient was found in
post care actions
where, when then patient fell
IIMS reference number
What are three postnatal Maternal Falls risks?
Tiredness
Post Surgery (LSCS)
Ongoing impacts of anaesthesia (EDB)
Medication (ie pain medication)
Blood loss - hypotension
What is the purpose of a post fall huddle?
"Group Thinktank"
To prevent another fall
to improve safety protocols
Develop a patient safety culture
Increase situational awareness
reduce risk of fall happening again