How to reduce falls in adults at St. James Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

Full Answer Section

alls are a safety issue. They can lead to serious injuries, such as fractures, head injuries, and internal bleeding. Falls can also lead to disability and death.

What is the healthcare cost associated with this problem?

Falls are a major cost burden to the healthcare system. In 2018, the total cost of falls for older adults in the United States was estimated to be $50 billion.

Why is this important for you to design a quality improvement project?

Falls are a preventable problem. By implementing quality improvement initiatives, healthcare providers can help to reduce the number of falls and their associated costs.

Quality Improvement Project

The following is a sample quality improvement project to reduce falls in adults at St. James Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center:

Goal: Reduce the number of falls among adults at St. James Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center by 10% in one year.

Objectives:

• Identify all adults at St. James Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center who are at risk of falling.
• Develop and implement fall prevention interventions for all adults at St. James Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center who are at risk of falling.
• Monitor the number of falls at St. James Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center over time.

Interventions:

• Fall risk assessment: All adults at St. James Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center will be assessed for their risk of falling. This assessment will include a review of the patient's medical history, medications, and physical function.
• Fall prevention interventions: Fall prevention interventions will be tailored to the individual patient's needs. Some common fall prevention interventions include:
  • Exercise programs to improve strength and balance
  • Medication review to reduce the number of medications that can cause dizziness or drowsiness
  • Environmental modifications to reduce hazards in the patient's environment
  • Education for patients and staff on fall prevention

Evaluation:

The number of falls at St. James Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center will be monitored over time to assess the effectiveness of the fall prevention interventions.

Conclusion

By implementing a quality improvement project, St. James Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center can help to reduce the number of falls among its patients and improve their safety.

Sample Answer

Problem Definition

Population

Falls are a major problem for adults in all settings, but they are especially common in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and homecare. Falls are also more common among older adults and people of color.

Why is this a problem?

Falls are a safety issue. They can lead to serious injuries, such as fractures, head injuries, and internal bleeding. Falls can also lead to disability and death.