Learning Objectives
- Fall risk factors
- Evidence-based prevention strategies
- Regular fall assessment
Course Description
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has determined that inpatient falls are an entirely preventable hospital-acquired condition (HAC) and does not reimburse for patient falls. The reality is that care providers cannot prevent all falls. This course will help you to do everything possible to drive the risk of falls as close as possible to zero.
In this course, you’ll learn about risk factors that contribute to falls and evidence-based strategies for preventing falls. Screening and assessment of fall risk should occur with every patient admission, but it should not end with admission. A patient’s fall risk is highly variable. Any patient may be at sudden, increased risk due to physiological changes, medication side effects, and the effects of treatments. Awareness, constant vigilance, and education are the keys to preventing patient falls.
Did You Know...
- Every 29 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall
- 1/3 of people age 65 and older fall each year
- <50% of the Medicare beneficiaries who fell in the previous year talked to their healthcare provider about it
- >2 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for nonfatal fall injuries each year
- On average, fall injuries cost hospitals $14,000 per case, and falls cost $19 billion annually in direct costs
Target Learners:
Average Completion Time:
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