Authors (including presenting author) :
Ng YT(1), Cheung TM(1), Wong MC(1), Cheng P(1), Lam PL(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Physiotherapy Department, Queen Mary Hospital
Introduction :
Fall prevention has always been a top priority in risk management within HA. Many of the fall incidents happened with patients who are allowed to self-ambulate in wards. As such, the Physiotherapy Department of Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) implemented the pilot SAFE program in August 2021 to investigate the fall risk of patients in this category and provide specific preventative measures. The program has been officially launched in April 2024.
Objectives :
1) Minimize fall incidence in patient classified as low to moderate fall risk.
2) Provide physiotherapy treatment to modify risk of fall in ward
3) To facilitate communication with nurses concerning fall preventive measures
Methodology :
Patients admitted to designated wards were assessed through Morse Fall Scale (MFS) by nurses. Patients who were allowed for self-ambulation in ward and scored between 25-44 in MFS (which is classified as low to moderate fall risk), were recruited into the program. Physiotherapist assessed the patients’ fall risk through history taking and Five Time Sit-to-stand (FTSTS) test. Patients scored more than 12 seconds in FTSTS were provided with detailed fall risk assessment including manual muscle testing, gait assessment, Berg Balance Scale, and Time Up and Go Test. Recommendations and interventions were given according to the assessment findings. A “traffic light” card to indicate patients’ mobility and a recommendation sheet were placed on bed side and in patients’ notes respectively to facilitate communication between healthcare workers.
Result & Outcome :
From April 2024 to September 2024, 49 patients were screened for fall risk through this program. 8 of them scored more than 12 seconds in FTSTS test and required detailed fall risk assessment. The average length of stay in hospital was 5.15 days. There was no fall incidence happened in all screened cases.
Conclusion
Although the sample size is still relatively small, the SAFE program appeared to be effective in preventing fall in self-ambulatory patients, who are classified as low to moderate fall risk in MFS.
