Incidence of Patient Falls

Our medically complex patient population is at high risk for falling during hospitalization due to such contributing factors as age; disorientation and dementia; unfamiliarity of surroundings; weakness and frailty; cumbersome lines, tubes and dressings; specialty beds and bed surfaces; and, often, mind- and balance-altering medications.

At RML Specialty Hospital, we are single-minded about keeping our patients safe. To protect patients against falling, we employ rigorous, evidence-based fall-prevention strategies that target the highest risk areas. Our interventions include thorough assessment of patient risks, frequent patient observation and re-orientation, use of protective equipment, bed and chair exit alarms, beds in low position and placement of call lights within patient reach.

We participate in outcomes sharing with the National Association of Long Term Hospitals (NALTH), an advocacy, education and research organization that represents long-term acute care hospitals and patients. Fall rates are calculated using the following formula:

Lower rates mean fewer falls. As the chart below shows, the 2007 NALTH rate for falls at comparable hospitals was 2.4. At RML, our fiscal year 2007 rate for patient falls without injuries was 1.1, or less than half the nationally reported rate.