Falls are one of the most common adverse events in hospitals worldwide. They can affect patient experience, health outcomes, length of stay in hospital, and can even result in serious injury or death.
International evidence shows that a combination of strategies is required to minimise the risk of falls in hospital.
A team of researchers from Peter Mac's Academic Nursing Unit - working with the Peter Mac Falls Working Group, patients and volunteers - set out to develop a patient co-designed falls prevention resource to support our World's Best Cancer Care.
The video resource "Moving Around Safely at Peter Mac” draws on data and stories provided by patients who have experienced a fall at Peter Mac.
The video delivers key messages to help people understand the impact of a fall on their physical and emotional wellbeing and to provide practical, crucial safety messages to minimise risk of falls. Importantly, the video emphasises the importance of staff, patients, and family members/carers working in partnership to prevent falls wherever possible.
Some of the key takeaways of this resource are:
- Most falls happened going to the bathroom and so it's important to wait for help if you need it;
- The hospital environment is unfamiliar so its easy to become disoriented - whatever your age;
- Illness, medications or treatment can all affect balance and strength - making a fall more likely, and
- Patients can contribute to their own safety by being familiar with falls prevention strategies.
