What is a fall?
A fall is a sudden, unintentional loss of balance causing one to make unexpected contact with the ground, floor, or another object or surface.
Why we measure falls:
- In pediatrics, accidental falls are one of the most common causes of injuries among children. Falls also occur as a part of the normal development of children as they learn to walk and run.
- Children in the hospital may be at a higher risk for a fall with injury. This is due to their medical condition, an existing injury, or because of certain medications they are taking. These factors can increase the risk for a fall, which is why St. Louis Children’s Hospital takes precautions to keep patients safe and prevent injury in a hospital environment.
How we measure falls:
- We measure the number of falls per 1,000 patient days. Each day a patient is in the hospital counts as one hospital day.
What we are doing to prevent falls:
- Upon admission, all patients are screened by a nurse for their risk of falling in the hospital. Additional screenings for falls are conducted when necessary.
- Patients at risk for a fall wear a yellow armband that identifies them as “high risk.” As a result, staff know to take extra precautions to keep patients safe.
- Patients are provided with non-skid socks to wear when they are out of bed and will be assisted when walking.
- At the bedside, call lights and personal items are placed within the patient’s reach. In addition, patients sleep in age-appropriate cribs or beds with side rails securely locked in place and walking pathways nearby are cleared.
What can families do to help prevent falls?
Parents and caregivers are advised on how they can partner with their care team to help keep their child safe in a hospital environment.
- Keep bed and crib rails up. Use the bed or crib’s safety rails when your child is resting.
- Ask for help. If your child feels weak or dizzy, ask a nurse for help before getting up.
- Clear pathways. Keep floors free of clutter or spills.
- Non-slip socks. Make sure your child wears grip socks or shoes when walking.
- Play it safe. Play is a part of childhood, but a hospital environment is different than home. Do not allow your child to stand, climb, or play on furniture.
- Notify your care team. If you notice anything that could cause a fall, please let a team member know right away.
