Reducing the risk of baby falls in maternity units

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety in Obstetrics
• Pediatric Fall Prevention

Background:

• 17 infant falls occurred within a 12-month period at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust.
• Two infants sustained injuries due to these falls.
• Existing patient safety protocols required enhancement to address infant falls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a comprehensive guideline for preventing and managing infant falls in maternity wards.
• To reduce the incidence of infant falls and associated injuries.
• To integrate fall prevention strategies into the trust's patient safety program.

Main Methods:

• Data collection on infant falls and their circumstances.
• Development of a guideline for infant fall prevention and management.
• Implementation of risk-prevention strategies: risk assessment and bedside cot installation.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in the number of infant falls was observed following strategy implementation.
• Risk assessment identified mothers requiring closer observation.
• Installation of bedside cots proved effective in preventing falls.

Conclusions:

• The developed guideline and implemented strategies effectively reduced infant falls.
• Risk assessment and bedside cots are key components of successful infant fall prevention.
• The successful strategies are being adopted across all maternity units within the trust.