Keywords

accidental falls, patient education, patient safety

Authors

1. Jeske, Lee MS, APRN,BC
2. Kolmer, Valerie BSN, RN,BC
3. Muth, Mary MS, RN, CEN
4. Cerns, Stephanie MSN, RN
5. Moldenhaur, Sara MSN, RN
6. Hook, Mary L. MS, APRN,BC

Abstract

Prevention of falls in hospitalized elderly is critical to avoid injury and maintain independence. As part of a comprehensive program, nursing staff in a medical telemetry unit partnered with patients and their families to design and implement an educational poster to prevent falls. Ongoing patient/family feedback was used to modify the poster until it was appealing and effective for patients. The effort resulted in a marked decrease in falls on the unit over the pilot period.