15 The Outcome of Post Fall Intervention Analysis in Medical Department, Sungai Buloh Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Incident reporting form does not capture the exact mechanism of falls. With the increment in the number of falls in Medical Department, Falls Intervention Team (FIT) was formed in March 2018. Objectives The objective of this study was to analyse factors that lead to falls in medical wards based on falls incident reporting form (HSB-MED-FORM-017) and post fall investigation form (HSB-MED-FORM-023). Methods There were 82 incidents in the Medical Department since March 2018 till now. However 26/82 data were missing (excluded), only 56 post fall investigation forms were analysed. Data were cross-tabulated via Chi square in SPSS version 23. Results 33/56 fallers were among the younger age group (< 65 years), majority being males (82%). Most fallers were categorized with high risk (36/56) according to Morse Fall Scale. The common falls area is within the 4 bedded cubicle (82%) which is away from nursing counter. The commonest location is bedside (40/56, 71%). Most of the falls (22/56, 39%) occurred during night shift (9pm – 7am). Majority of the falls happened while patients were trying to get out the bed (20/56). Falls while going to and in the toilet (21/56), were associated with the younger age group < 65 (18/21, p < 0.005). 18/21 (85%) in the elderly group (age > 65) fell due to extrinsic factors, (p < 0.016). However there was no correlation in age for intrinsic factor and environment as the cause for falls. Faller who needs supervision assistance is closely related to extrinsic factor for falls (p < 0.058). The commonest cause of falls in this cohort is due to intrinsic factor (51/56, 91%). Conclusion FIT has benefitted the department in understanding falls incidences and characteristics. Future studies need to incorporate strategies to maximize and evaluate ongoing adherence to interventions in hospital falls prevention programs.