Safety Against Fall Every time (SAFE) (Fall prevention Campaign)

Abstract

Falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional injuries or deaths worldwide. Inpatient falls result in significant physical and economic burdens for patients as well as for medical organizations. From January to November 2022, the number of fall incidents was 25. The causes identified were ineffective PFE, no hourly rounds, especially during night shifts, poor IPR with assigned patients, lack of awareness regarding disease conditions and medication administered, not giving effective PFE when the level of care changes, and not providing proper fall prevention education to the patient attendant. Group director nursing has initiated a campaign titled “SAFE” (Safety Against Fall Every time) in the month of November. The campaign was conducted till January 2023.Numerous campaign activities were planned to reduce the incidence of patient fall and to reinforce the compliance to fall prevention protocols. Various fun activities such as pocket charts, spin wheel, dart, quiz activities, poster competitions were planned to encourage participation of the staff in the campaign and to enhance learning. Daily audits were conducted to ensure correct assessment of vulnerable patients & AFRAT (Apollo fall risk assessment tool) monitoring. Daily briefing was held in all the three shifts on PFE & prevention of patient fall. Team leaders of the unit has been instructed to ensure hourly rounds specially during night shifts. The percentage of fall incidence in Jan to Nov 2022 was 62% which was reduced to 32% in Dec to Jun2023.Daily audits on hourly rounds, assessment of vulnerable patient, AFRAT scoring and patient & family education was continued to ensure a culture of safety among the staff nurses.