Falls Prevention in Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) patients may be at risk of falling due to a number of factors that differ from an inpatient setting and therefore require specific assessment and intervention. During the third quarter of 2012, ASCs reported a patient fall rate of 0.134 per 1000 admissions, representing 198 falls nationally. Many ASCs have not employed fall risk assessment and prevention programs, though all ASC patients are at risk of falling due to surgery and sedation. The admission interview may be the most effective setting for fall risk assessment and patient education, because ASC patients typically leave the facility following surgery. Assessment at admission also identifies patients at risk as early as possible, allowing for intervention.
In Hartford, Connecticut, staff instituting a fall prevention program discovered that physicians perceived outpatients as healthier and at lower risk of falling. Further, outpatient units had less patient information than units at the main hospital. A nurse manager-led group introduced a screening and event documentation program for the ASC staff. The intervention included wristbands for high risk patients, patient and family education, and assistance during patient transfers, dressing, and toileting. Since the introduction of the program, falls have deceased in number while documentation has improved.
DeJohn P. Risk assessment helps prevent falls in ACS patients. OR Manager. 2012;28:1-3. http://www.ormanager.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ORM_0613_26_ASC_Falls.pdf
Posted in Fall Prevention Research