Results
After a successful trial, the BSC purchased 26 of the behavioral health bed frames. The combination of additional staff and the new beds brought the BSC’s numbers to an all-time low of 2.05 falls per 1,000 bed days in Q2 2017.
Conclusion
The new policies at Beckley ARH were proven to be effective in reducing falls and increasing patient safety in the BSC. Focus on patient safety, reduction of falls, and injuries related to falls remains a priority
About the Authors
Jeffrey Lilly, RN
Jeff is Director of Behavioral Sciences and Psychiatry at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital in Beckley, WV. He oversees the daily operations of a 60-bed psychiatric facility with 90 staff. Jeff’s prior experience included seven years as a US Army combat medical specialist and deployment during Operation Desert Storm.
jlilly@arh.org
Teresa McKenney, BA, RN, CWCN
Teresa is a Clinical Liaison at Sizewise, a certified CWCN, and a member of the NPUAP’s education committee. Prior to joining Sizewise, she worked for a major GPO. Teresa has 10 years’ bedside wound care experience.
tmckenney@sizewise.com
References
1. Barker, A, Kamar, J, Tyndall, T, and Hill, K. (2013). Reducing serious fall-related injuries in acute hospitals: are low-low beds a critical success factor? Journal of Advanced Nursing 69(1): 112-121.
2. Tzeng, H, and Yin, C. (2007). Height of Hospital Beds and Inpatient Falls. Journal of Nursing Administration 37(12): 537-538.
3. Wagner, J, and Ingram, T. (2013). A Safe Electric Medical Bed for an Acute Inpatient Behavioral Health Care Setting. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing 51(1): 31-34.