In 2011, the patient fall rate was 1.4 per 10,000 ASC admissions. To help prevent falls, ASCs can take the following 10 steps:
1. Communicate identified risk factors to patient, patient’s caregivers and all patient care staff.
2. Identify the need for a translator in cases where English is not the patient’s primary language.
3. Train patients about gait and balance.
4. Review and modify medications — especially cardiovascular agents associated with orthostatic drop in systolic pressure.
5. Prevent/treat postural hypotension.
6. Have patients use walking aids.
7. Make environmental modifications, such as locking movable equipment, removing clutter and providing adequate lighting.
8. Assist patients going to/from the toilet.
9. Identify patients at risk for falls with colored bracelets.
10. Evaluate fall occurrence versus presence of extrinsic and intrinsic factors.
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