Newcross News Issue 10

BEST PRACTICE | RISE IN FALLS
BEST PRACTICE
Rise in Falls:
How should you respond?
Client falls are common but are usually classed
as a minor or non-injury incident. However, some
falls, including those that aren’t responded to
appropriately, can have serious outcomes.
Alex Alen and Juliette Millard highlight the importance
of managing falls correctly and explain some key
techniques in assessment and care.
Anyone can have a fall but older people are typically
at greater risk, especially if they have a long-term
health condition. Older people living in care homes
are three times more likely to fall than those living
in the community, and a quarter are likely to suffer
serious injuries and be admitted to hospital following
the accident (NICE, 2014). As our population ages,
it’s reasonable to assume that the prevalence of falls
will increase.
The Newcross Clinical Excellence Team supports
nurses after incidents and complaints, especially
when the care of the person may have been
compromised. All events and feedback from our
staff across the UK are recorded and we are uniquely
placed to identify trends and pre-empt emerging
challenges for healthcare staff.
Our recent reflective learning and discussions with
nurses indicates varying knowledge of the post-fall
assessment procedure, and this has contributed to
delays in the correct treatment for the person who
has fallen. In some instances, full body checks have
not been completed and injuries may have been
exacerbated due to incorrect care. Often
documentation is poor and events are not handed
over, which has compromised ongoing risk
assessments and fall prevention strategies.
We’ve prepared a detailed summary of guidance
for responding to falls, which you can read and
download on our website: www.newcrosshealthcare.com
THE FACTS ABOUT FALLS
282,000
Patient falls were reported from hospitals
and mental health units
FALLS RESULTED IN A RANGE OF
INJURIES INCLUDING:
840
fractured hips
550
other types of fracture
30
intracranial injuries
In care homes falls account for
around 90% of reportable injuries
Source: NPSA 2011
Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 who
live at home will have at least one
fall a year
After a fall, an older person has
a 50% probability of having their
mobility seriously impaired and a
10% probability of dying within
a year
18 | newcrossnews | www.newcrosshealthcare.com
Source: Help the Aged, 2008