Approximately 3-20 percent of inpatients fall at least once during their hospital stay, and healthcare facilities are responsible for preventing these injuries, which are considered preventable by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In a literature review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, authors found that hospitals may not be able to prevent most falls because many risk factors aren’t under the providers’ direct control.
One reviewed study found that comprehensive fall prevention programs did not reduce the incidence of falls in the hospital, as they might in long-term care or home care settings. A second study indicated a strong correlation between falling and the delirium that supports the need for early identification and management of delirium in hospitals.
Many patients who suffer hospital falls have internal risk factors, other conditions or disabilities that increase the likelihood of falling, according to the release.
Read the release about hospital falls.
Related Articles on AAOS:
AAOS: Orthopedic Surgeons’ Involvement in Healthcare Reform
AAOS: Congressmen Interested in Access to America’s Orthopaedic Services Act
AAOS Sponsors Comparative Effectiveness Research Symposium
