Inpatient Fall Prevention: The Balance Between Mobility and Safety

Course overview

Since 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have modified the reimbursement structure of payment, denying or limiting hospital reimbursement that results from adverse events which may occur to a patient while in the hospital. Falls and the traumatic injuries caused by falls in the hospital setting are key components to this program. Research shows that early mobility is essential to patient recovery in the hospital. It is essential that hospital staff understand the importance of maintaining patient mobility while patients are in the hospital and implement fall prevention strategies to keep patients safe when ambulating. By providing a safe hospital environment for patients, completing thorough clinical assessments, improving both patient and staff education and promoting open communication among team members, the clinical staff can minimize the risk of patient falls and improve patient safety.