In-Patient Falls: Investigation of Two-Year Electronic Health Records of the Hospital

Journal Title: International Journal of Health Sciences and Research - Year 2017, Vol 7, Issue 12

Abstract

Patient falls are accepted as a significant problem of patient safety in health care institutions worldwide, and they appear to be among the most common reasons for secondary injury in hospitals. Falls may lead to such serious injuries as fractures, cuts or bleeding, which could in turn extend hospital stay, decreasing the functional capacity of the hospital and increasing health care costs. This research was conducted using descriptive and retrospective research design. The study was carried out in a 400-bed urban academic teaching hospital in the city of İzmir, Turkey. Information pertaining to patients aged over 65 (N=11702) (>24-hour stay) with a risk of fall according to the Fall Risk Scale was reviewed through electronic health records from January 1, 2015 through January 1, 2017. The patients who participated in the study aged between 65 and 99 and the mean age is 74.72 ± 6.79’dur. Fall records of the hospital over the last 2 years show that 23 (0.19%) patients experienced falls during their stay at the hospital. Two-thirds of the patients (69.8%) who fell sustained no injuries. Minor and major injuries were observed in 21.6% and 8.6% of the patients respectively. Majority of falls (74%) occurred in the patient’s room. In-patient falls in hospital soccur frequently, particularly in emergency rooms. Previo we studies have found similar characteristics of falls in relation to the location and consequences. However, the rate of falls we have found is much lower in comparison with previous studies. Also, falls can be devastating for hospitalized adults of older age, and it is important to identify high risk patients for better prevention.

Authors and Affiliations

Dilek Sari

Keywords

Related Articles

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Self Instructional Module for Improvement in Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients

Introduction: The mortality and morbidity due to breast cancer has been a concern in the health care settings. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in females which requires early diagnosis and intervention....

Prescribing Pattern of Various Drugs in Neurology Department at Tertiary Care Hospital in Haryana

Introduction: Neurological disorders are a major cause of morbidity, mortality and disability. These adversely affect the quality of life among all age group patients. Majority of neurological disorders include epilepsy,...

Knowledge and Counselling Skills of Community Health Workers for Promotion of Optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Practices: A Review

Community health workers (CHWs) are well-established as change agents for promoting health behaviour change among community members. However, their knowledge and counselling skills play an important role in effective pro...

High Fidelity Simulation in Nursing Education

Aim: This paper reviews the use of high fidelity simulation (HFS) in nursing education. Methods: An integrative review was used to assess the effectiveness of high fidelity simulation in nursing education. Data search w...

Modified Formative Assessment and Its Impact on Undergraduate Medical Learning

Context (Background): Assessment tools can be judged based on criteria like reliability, educational impact, acceptability and cost. Summative tests are useful in promotion and certification but could not assess student’...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP379959
  • DOI -
  • Views 96
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Dilek Sari (2017). In-Patient Falls: Investigation of Two-Year Electronic Health Records of the Hospital. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 7(12), 120-124. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-379959