Risk+of+Falls

Patient falls are a serious issue in health care that sometimes is not given enough attention. Especially in geriatric patients, a fall can complicate and increase a patients stay at a hospital because of its dire effects. ==== ==== ====A study was conducted to assess the usefulness of an electronic health record system in regards to patient falls. It is suggested that the use of “condition specific-templates” through a computerized system will improve the care of patients (Fung, 2006). Some strengths and weaknesses of the system were identified. Weaknesses included a moderate ease of use and “...perceived unnecessary duplication of information that is already included in clinic notes” (Fung, 2006). However, once the system gets up and running there will not be duplication of information because that is the only system the physicians and other health care providers will be using. Especially if the physicians used mobile computing, they could easily input client information into the one system without duplication. The ease of use will also increase after the staff is provided with specific training and learn to use the system efficiently. One of the major strengths included that this system is readily available for when patient information needs to be looked up or documented on; health care providers could easily edit and update the necessary patient health information. This study proves that electronic health records can improve the risk of falls in patients. Even though there is not a lot of research and methods in this area used to prevent falls, Fung (2006) states that it is likely that development of electronic tools will increase, as it shows to be helpful. ====

Risk Assessment Tools
The Falls Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT) can be made available electronically so it is easily accessible for nurses to use for assessing a patient's risk of falls. It contains three different parts in which the nurse can assess the risk factors and come up with an action plan to prevent the risk of falls. Instead of having to resort to finding these tools from different areas,they can be made easily accessible online, thus decreasing the risk of falls and ultimately promoting patient safety.

The Screening Tool is another useful tool for health care providers that identifies patients who are at risk for falls. Sometimes, these tools are not being used simply because they are not available to the nurses or other staff. If these simple steps are used to prevent falls then why not make them available for use?

Falls Risk Status/ Assistive Devices/ Restraints
====With using the EHR system, a history of falls record will be available for viewing. This will notify the health care provider of any known risk factors for falls and this information can be used to lead the proper interventions. "Assistive devices [are] pieces of equipment or product systems that are used to increase or improve daily occupation and participation in everyday life" (Haggblom-Kronlo & Sonn, 2007). It would be beneficial for health care providers to know what assistive devices, if any, the patient is using so patient needs and care are fulfilled accordingly. It is also important to know the patients falls risk status as this information will help the health care providers to make the appropriate decisions for their care and also assess the need for any restraints needed. For example, besides patient assessment, if there is a history of falls from the bed, this may indicate that maybe the use of side rails is necessary to prevent potential future incidents. Sometimes patients tend to leave out important information because they may not know how relevant it is to their care, but with an electronic health record the correct information will always be readily available. Fung (2006) “...demonstrated through the use of validated performance measures that the templates are a promising method of improving processes of care for [...] falls”. ====

==Transfers ==

In certain health care facilities, it is the responsibility of the nurse to assist in patient transfers as necessary. For each individual, there are specific transfer techniques used when moving a patient from one position to another (Potter & Perry, 2009, p.1197). This is based on an earlier assessment of the patient and can be documented electronically and made available for other health care providers, especially nurses, to be aware of the proper method of transferring the patient. It is significant for both the patient and nurse to follow this method of transfer in order to prevent injuries; thus, an EHR system will be effective in this area as it will notify the nurse of the proper transfer technique, preventing any risk of falls.

 It is significant for both patient and nurse to follow this method in order to prevent any injuries.

In a hospital setting, a nurse must assist in patient transfer as necessary. In a hospital setting, a nurse must assist in patient transfer as necessary. In a hospital setting, a nurse must assist in patient transfer as necessary. For each individual, there are specific transfer techniques used when moving a patient from one position to another (Potter & Perry, 2009, p.1197).

In a hospital setting, a nurse must assist in patient transfer as necessary. For each individual, there are specific transfer techniques used when moving a patient from one position to another (Potter & Perry, 2009, p.1197). In a hospital setting, a nurse must assist in patient transfer as necessary. For each individual, there are specific transfer techniques used when moving a patient from one position to another (Potter & Perry, 2009, p.1197). This is based on an earlier assessment of the patient and can be documented electronically and made available to other health providers, especially nurses, to know the proper method of transfer for the patient. It is significant for both patient and nurse to follow this method in order to prevent any injuries. In a hospital setting, a nurse must assist in patient transfer as necessary. For each individual, there are specific transfer techniques used when moving a patient from one position to another (Potter & Perry, 2009, p.1197). This is based on an earlier assessment of the patient and can be documented electronically and made available to other health providers, especially nurses, to know the proper method of transfer for the patient. It is significant for both patient and nurse to follow this method in order to prevent any injuries.

The Falls Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT) can be made available electronically so it is easily accessible for nurses to use to assess a patients risk of falls. It contains three different parts in which the nurse can assess the risk factors and come up with an action plan to prevent the risk of falls. Instead of having to resort to finding these pages lost somewhere in a binder, it can be made easily accessible online, thus promoting patient safety. The Screening Tool is another useful tool for health care providers that identifies patients who are at risk for falls. Sometimes, these tools are not being used simply because they are not available to the nurses or other staff. If these simple steps are used to prevent falls then why not make them available for use?