Best practice: falls prevention Developed by: Peninsula Health Format: Poster Availability: <Download poster - PDF version> This poster developed by Peninsula Health’s falls prevention service lists 11 actions staff can undertake to help prevent falls in their facility. It can be displayed in a prominent position within the facility to act as a reminder to staff as to what they can do to help prevent falls. In 2009 the Department of Health funded Northern Health, in conjunction with National Ageing Research Institute, to review falls prevention resources for the Department of Health’s website. The materials used as the basis of this generic resource were developed by Peninsula Health under a Service Agreement with the Department of Human Services, now the Department of Health. Other resources to maintain health and wellbeing of older people are available from www.health.vic.gov.au/agedcare Department of Health Best Practice Promoting a Falls Prevention Culture Strong evidence exists that falls prevention strategy can be effective if a hospital culture exists that ‘falls can be prevented’ Encouraging Safe Activity Prevents Falls Managing Falls Risk Managing care needs to prevent patient falls requires teamwork, communication and regular review of falls risk. Promoting safe participation in activity prevents deconditioning that can lead to falls. Reporting Falls Promotes Learning Up-skilling Training resource staff in best practice falls prevention helps improve the skill base of staff, and awareness of falls prevention strategies Staff reporting of all falls and near misses, promotes an improved understanding of the problem and assists with finding the solutions. Falls Prevention Falls Prevention Policy An Inpatient Falls Prevention Policy ensures that the commitment and responsibilities of preventing falls are shared across all services and program areas. Improving Monitoring of High Risk Patients Participation in Rehabilitation Active rehabilitation improves balance, strength and functional independence. The use of bed sensors can assist the staff to provide prompt attention to ‘at risk’ or unsteady patients. Wearing Hip Protectors Maintaining a Safe Environment Hip protectors worn by ambulant patients at risk of falls can reduce the likelihood of hip fracture following a fall by 60%. Reducing hazards and clutter is an integral part of ensuring patient safety. Assessing Falls Risk Early assessment of falls risk will help us to identify care needs to ensure patient safety. Produced by the Falls Prevention Service and Inpatient Falls Program See the FRAT PACK/Falls Resource Manual located on your Unit for details.