Fall Management Technology
Contact Hours: 1
Cost: $10.00
Falls in older patients are common in hospitals and nursing facilities. Among hospital inpatients, falls range from 2.3 to 7 falls per 1,000 patient-days. Approximately 30% of inpatient falls result in injury, with 4% to 6% resulting in serious injury, such as hip fracture, spinal injury and head trauma. Of the 1.6 million patients in U.S. nursing facilities, approximately half fall annually. About 1 in 3 of those who fall will fall two or more times in a year. One in every 10 falls results in a serious injury; about 65,000 patients suffer a hip fracture each year.
To a large extent, effective fall prevention is dependent upon caregivers adhering to a structured process that consists of timely fall risk and post fall assessments and targeted multidisciplinary interventions based on identified risk factors and/or causes of falls.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Identify available technologies (or products) that support safe mobility/reduce the risk of falling.
• Recognize available technologies (or products) aimed at reducing risk of injurious falls
• Discuss available technologies that warn caregivers when a patient is engaging in potentially risky behavior.
• Summarize the framework for selecting and implementing fall prevention technology
Curriculum
Chapter 1: Introduction
Fall Management Technologies
Chapter 2: Assistive Devices
Wheeled Walkers
Bed Transfer Aids
Toileting Safety
Wheelchair Locking Systems
Gait Belts
Non-Skid Slippers
Chapter 3: Injury Protection Devices
Hip Protectors
Low Beds
Smart Beds
Fall Mats
Chapter 4: Warning Devices
Fall Alarms
Wandering Alarms
Fall Management Technology: Its Implementation
Chapter 5: Selecting the Best Technological Solution
Identify a Multidisciplinary Team
Identify the Need for Technology
Identify Appropriate Technology
Chapter 6: Implementing Technology
Staff Acceptance of Technology
Patient Acceptance of Technology
Maintenance and Availability Issues
Chapter 7: Nursing and Technology
Conclusion
Chapter 8: Appendix:
Common Risk Factors and Causes of Falls
Fall Preventive Interventions