Authors

  1. Christopher, Deborah A. MSN, RN, CPHQ
  2. Trotta, Rebecca L. PhD, RN
  3. Yoho, Margaret A. MSN, RN
  4. Strong, Jocelyn MSN, RN, PCCN
  5. Dubendorf, Phyllis MSN, RN, CCNS, CNRN

Abstract

Falls in the acute care hospital are a significant patient safety issue. The purpose of this article was to describe the use of process improvement methodology to address inpatient falls on 5 units. This initiative focused on a proactive approach to falls, identification of high-risk patients, and a complete assessment of patients at risk. During the project timeframe, the mean total fall rate decreased from 3.7 to 2.8 total falls per 1000 patient days.