Nursing protocol: fall prevention in elderly and senile patients

Abstract

The prevalence of in-hospital falls varies depending on medical institution profile and department. According to various sources, the incidence of falls in intensive care units (ICU) is 2.3-7 falls per 1000 bed-days (a day spent by a person in the hospital). Assessment of fall risk in elderly patients shows that especially in case of deteriorating health, after transfer to another department, and when the fall has already happened, according to the protocol nurses will allow quickly identification of the problem and provide timely correction.