Patient Safety And Education

A fall is defined as an event which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level. (WHO) The overall risk of patient falling while hospitalized is relatively small 2-3% but data shows that when patients do fall injuries often occur.

For Patient

Factors that can increase your risk of falling:

• Past history of a fall.
• Poor balance when walking, vertigo, dizziness.
• After any surgery or procedure.
• Decreased muscle/ bone strength, generalized weakness.
• Reduced vision or hearing.
• Drop in blood pressure with standing.
• Diseases such as arthritis, stroke.
• Slippery floors, ill fitting footwear.
• Dementia, confusion.
• Bladder difficulties, frequency of urination.

What patient/family can do to prevent falls at home:

• Eat well, stay fit and use walking aid as recommended by your Doctor Take medications as prescribed.
• Rise slowly from bed/chair to prevent sudden drop in blood pressure and dizziness (tell doctor if this occurs).
• Do not rush when walking/using stairs.
• Have solid handrails on both sides of stairwell.
• Ensure pathways in the home and outside (steps, sidewalks) are dry, well lit, and free of clutter.
• Avoid walking on slippery surfaces.
• Remove scatter rugs/mats.
• Install appropriately placed grab bars for toilet and tub/shower.
• Optimize chair and toilet seat heights.
• Use a well secured rubber bath mat in tub and shower.
• Ask others for help with tasks that would put you at risk of falling.
• Use correct eyeglasses/hearing aids and have vision/hearing test.

For Maternity

Dear Mothers you may be at short term risk of Fall following a normal or cesarean delivery and especially during initial attempts at ambulation post delivery The staff provides routine care post delivery – and instructions to new mother/parent on how to obtain assistance when getting in/out of bed, going to the toilet and moving your neonate/baby from cot to you for cuddling or feeding purposes.

Factors that can increase your risk of following:

Pre-birth fall risks in women can include:

• Pre-existing maternal medical conditions (high risk pregnancies).
• Seizure disorders, convulsions, antepartum hemorrhage (APH).
• Low blood pressure and diabetes.
• Medications for pain or sedation (affecting level of consciousness, balance, cognition and sleep).
• Epidural Anaesthesia.

Post-birth fall risks in woman can include:

• Fatigue following delivery.
• Post-cesarean section.
• Ongoing effects of anaesthesia e.g. epidurals boluses given for long duration.
• Hypotension and blood loss from a post-partum hemorrhage (PPH).
• Wearing badly fitting footwear.

Tips for safe handling of your newborn baby At home:

• Place your baby on their back while asleep in their safe cot next to your adult bed.
• Don't fall asleep while holding your baby as they can slip from your hold
• Never leave your baby unattended on an adult bed or other surface from which they may slip or fall.
• Ask for assistance, when moving your baby from their own safe cot if you feel at risk of sleeping.
• Walking with your baby in your arms is not encouraged its is advised to transport in a wheel bay cot/crib.
• Take extra care when changing nappies and bathing your baby. These are situations where your baby may fall or slip.
• Please let your visitors know it is important to move your baby only in their wheeled baby cot/crib.
• Ensure your room is clutter free and all your required items are placed within your reach.
• Ensure that your bed is at the lowest with side rails raised up especially when you are sleeping with your baby.

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