Regional falls workshop to keep patients safe

Falls can be a significant cause of harm to patients in receipt of Health and Social Care (HSC) in Northern Ireland and are among some of the most frequent adverse incidents.

Although all falls cannot be prevented without unacceptable restrictions to patients’ independence, dignity and privacy, research has shown that falls can be reduced by 20–30% through assessment and intervention.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) held a workshop [Wednesday 26 June] for HSC professionals to help shape the future development of falls prevention for in-patients.

Oriel Brown, Senior Manager, Safety, Quality and Patient/Client Experience at the PHA said: “The consequences of a fall can be devastating. Injuries can range from pain and suffering, serious injury and, in extreme circumstances, death. For many patients it is the fear of falling and loss of confidence that can significantly impact on their ability to remain independent.”

It is recognised that there needs to be a holistic approach to preventing, treating and managing falls involving a range of staff including doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and social care staff. Also important is the recording of accurate details to identify the cause of a fall to build up a history and identify any learning so as to reduce the number of falls that may occur.

Oriel continued; “As a result, a Regional In-Patient Falls Group was established to provide multidisciplinary advice and support across the HSC in preventing harm to patients who fall whilst in hospital. The group identified the ‘The FallSafe Project’ as an excellent resource to be rolled out and implemented to reduce falls in hospitals in Northern Ireland.

“The workshop provided an opportunity to hear from Dr Frances Healey, a registered nurse who was Clinical Co-lead of ‘The FallSafe Project’, who shared examples of good practicethat can help develop solutions and identify keys actions to be taken forward which will make a real difference to people in Northern Ireland.”

Dr Frances Healey, Clinical Co-lead of ‘The FallSafe Project’ said: “‘The FallSafe Project’ is a great illustration of how quality improvement can empower and inspire nurses to lead and drive change on their wards, influence a multidisciplinary team, and deliver better patient care.

“I was delighted to be invited to the regional falls workshop yesterday to share some of our initiatives from the ‘The FallSafe Project’ with colleagues in Northern Ireland. It is encouraging to see that you too are taking forward improvement work on an issue so important to patients, their families and staff.”