While many inpatient falls cause little harm, their frequency makes them a leading source of hospital-related injuries. Falls can also cause severe injuries, including head trauma and hip fractures. A significant source of hospital-related injuries results from patients' decrease in time spent moving around each day. Inpatient falls are a common occurrence when people have been confined to bed or are feeling physically compromised by the condition that has brought them to the hospital in the first place.
Learn more about injuries from falls and immobility »
Falls Webinar
IHA's Indiana Patient Safety Center hosted a webinar November 13, 2015 focused on the impact of falls on Hoosiers and how Indiana hospitals’ are committed to prevention. Review the
presentation to learn more and watch the full
recording.
Resources discussed on the call:
IHA Regional Roadshows
The IHA Regional Roadshow focused on Falls in 2013. National speaker
Gail A. Nielsen presented on Falls Prevention. Hospital success stories can be found below.
Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcers are distressingly common at U.S. hospitals—and can have fatal consequences. In 2009, more than 60,000 patients died from pressure ulcer complications. Review available resources about techniques for avoiding pressure ulcers, skin care products that can help relieve irritation for patients confined to bed and explore how to raise awareness of the potential pressure ulcers among caregivers.
Learn more about pressure ulcers »
Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
Bed rest and inactivity can lead to venous thromboembolism, which in turn can lead to pulmonary embolisms—the leading cause of preventable hospital deaths. Indiana hospitals are working to understand the factors that lead to VTE, how to detect and respond to VTEs quickly and effectively and what culture changes are needed to reduce VTE incidence.
Learn more about VTEs »
