Reducing the patient fall rate in a rural health system

In healthcare facilities, patient falls have been a major contributing factor associated with patient injuries that result in increased costs and increased length of stay. Recent actions by the Department of Health and Human Services, enacted through the Department of Medicare and Medicaid Services, now hold healthcare facilities financially responsible for injury to patients that result from falls (CMS Hospital Acquired Conditions). Because of these rulings, costs associated with patient falls are now a greater threat to the survival of rural healthcare facilities. The rate of patient falls at Wise Regional Health System was unacceptably high. As a result of statistically analyzing the demographics of previous fall victims, and initiating additional interventions for identified patients, Wise Regional Health System has been successful in drastically decreasing their inpatient fall rate.