The article 'Cost of Inpatient Falls and Cost-Benefit Analysis of Implementation of an Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Program' is a must read for any hospital facility. (Dykes PC, Curtin-Bowen M, Lipsitz S, et al. Cost of Inpatient Falls and Cost-Benefit Analysis of Implementation of an Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Program. JAMA Health Forum. 2023;4(1):e225125. doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.
This study aimed to assess the costs of inpatient falls and the cost benefits associated with implementing an evidence-based fall prevention program called Fall TIPS (Tailoring Interventions for Patient Safety). The study used a large cohort of 900,635 patients, including 7,858 noninjurious falls and 2,317 injurious falls.
The findings revealed that the average total cost of a fall was $62,521, with $35,365 attributed to direct costs. Interestingly, the study found that injury was not significantly associated with increased costs. The Fall TIPS Program was found to be associated with $22 million in savings across the study sites over a 5-year period.
The study suggests that implementing cost-effective and evidence-based safety programs can lead to lower costs and care burdens related to inpatient falls, contributing to safer and more affordable patient care. The results highlight the importance of incentivizing organizations to adopt evidence-based strategies that reduce the incidence of falls, as this can result in both reduced harm and cost savings.
One idea when creating your plan to prevent falls is to utilize a medical line organizer such as the Beata Clasp. The Beata Clasp is a versatile device that can be utilized in the hospital setting to prevent falls by effectively organizing the multitude of tubing lines and drains at the patient's bedside. One common challenge in hospitals is the presence of various tubes and lines connected to patients, such as IV lines, catheters, and drainage tubes. These lines can become entangled or extend across the floor, posing a tripping hazard for both patients and healthcare providers.
The Beata Clasp offers a practical solution by providing a secure and organized system for managing these lines. The device features specially designed clips or hooks that can be attached to the bed or bedside rails. The tubing lines are then threaded through these clips, keeping them elevated and off the floor. This arrangement significantly reduces the risk of accidental tripping or entanglement.
Moreover, the Beata Clasp promotes patient involvement in their own care. Patients can actively participate in organizing their tubing lines, allowing them to have a sense of control and understanding of their medical devices. This involvement not only empowers patients but also increases their awareness of their surroundings, promoting safety and reducing the likelihood of falls.
Additionally, the Beata Clasp line organizer is not limited to the bedside. It can easily be transferred to mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs or walkers, when the patient is assisted out of bed. By keeping the tubing lines organized and elevated, the risk of tripping or tangling during mobility is significantly reduced.
By utilizing the Beata Clasp line organizer, hospitals can effectively mitigate the tripping hazards associated with multiple tubing lines and drains at the bedside. This device promotes patient involvement, enhances safety awareness, and facilitates a seamless transition from bed to mobility equipment. Ultimately, it plays a vital role in preventing falls and ensuring a safer care environment for patients and healthcare providers alike.