What strategies can be implemented to prevent falls in patients isolated in hospital rooms?

From the Guidelines

Preventing falls in isolation rooms requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes patient safety while maintaining infection control measures. To minimize fall risk, it is essential to implement fall-prevention programs, as suggested by the American Heart Association 1. Key strategies include:

• Identifying patients at risk and using alarm systems
• Utilizing special equipment such as enclosure beds
• Placing call buttons and the patient’s belongings near the patient to prevent reaching and risking a fall
• Scheduling voiding times to prevent falls that occur when a patient tries to go to the bathroom
• Considering the use of a sitter to stay with the patient and ensure their safety, as recommended in the comprehensive overview of nursing and interdisciplinary care of the acute ischemic stroke patient 1. Additionally, regular hourly rounding by healthcare staff, installation of assistive devices, proper lighting, and staff training on fall prevention in isolation settings are crucial to reducing fall risk. Patient education about calling for assistance and using available support devices is also vital, particularly in isolation rooms where staff response time may be delayed due to infection control procedures. By implementing these measures, healthcare providers can effectively minimize the risk of falls in isolation rooms and prioritize patient safety.

From the Research

Preventing Falls in Isolation Rooms

To prevent falls in isolation rooms, several strategies can be employed, including:

• Multifactorial approaches that address patient-level, nurse-level, and unit-level interventions 2
• Use of fall risk assessment tools, remote video monitoring, and stretcher alarms 2, 3
• Implementation of a comprehensive program that includes patient education, staff communication, and early warning systems 3
• Regular exercise and physical therapy, including balance and strength training, to reduce fall risk 4
• Home-hazard assessment and modification, as well as the use of assistive devices such as canes and walkers 4

Key Considerations

When implementing fall prevention strategies in isolation rooms, it is essential to consider the following:

• The unique challenges of the emergency department environment, including the often challenging nature of the environment and the variety of potential causative factors for patient falls 2
• The importance of tailoring fall prevention bundles to the specific needs of the emergency department 3
• The need for ongoing education and training for staff on fall prevention equipment and strategies 3
• The variation in fall prevention practices and implementation strategies across hospital units, and the need for consistent and evidence-based approaches 5

Effective Strategies

Effective strategies for preventing falls in isolation rooms include:

• Using a multifactorial approach that addresses multiple risk factors for falls 2, 3
• Implementing a comprehensive fall prevention program that includes patient education, staff communication, and early warning systems 3
• Providing regular exercise and physical therapy to reduce fall risk 4
• Using assistive devices such as canes and walkers to reduce fall risk 4
• Conducting regular home-hazard assessments and modifications to reduce fall risk 4