Hospital Acquired Condition - FALLS

In this video, Nicole, AI Instructor, explains the steps that parents and caregivers can take to help prevent falls during their child's hospital stay. It highlights the importance of always calling for assistance when getting out of bed, ensuring that the call button is within reach, and keeping the floor area clear of obstacles.

Falls

What is a Patient Fall?

A patient fall happens when a child accidentally falls to the ground while they are in the hospital. This can happen if they trip, lose their balance, or if they are not being watched closely. Falls can hurt and might cause injuries, so it's really important to make sure everything around them is safe to help prevent these falls.

Outpatient: How to Keep Your Child Safe From Falls

• Don’t leave your child alone. Always stay with your child when they are in their room.

• Don’t leave them on the exam table. Make sure your child is never left by themselves on the examination table.

• No climbing or playing on furniture. Keep your child from climbing on or playing with the furniture.

• Keep the room door closed. To keep everyone safe, make sure the door to your child’s room stays closed.

Inpatient: How to Keep Your Child Safe From Falls

Check for Fall Risk

• Screen when admitted. Assess the risk of falls when your child first arrives and follow up as needed with special tools designed for kids.

Identify and Communicate Risk

• Mark fall risk. Use signs, armbands, or other markers to show if a child is at risk of falling.

• Share information. Make sure everyone knows about the fall risk:

  • When nurses change shifts

  • When moving your child from one unit to another

  • With other staff like Child Life specialists or Radiology Technicians

Create a Safe Space

• Clear the area: Remove unused equipment and make sure paths to the door and bathroom are clear.

• Minimize clutter: Keep the room tidy.

• Use non-slip shoes: Ensure your child wears shoes that won’t slip.

• Keep the call light close: Make sure your child can reach the call light and knows how to use it.

• Choose the right clothes: Use clothing that fits well to avoid tripping.

• Set the bed safely: Keep the bed low and with brakes on. Use a bed that's the right size for your child and check that there are no gaps in the bed rails where they might slip through.

• Lock brakes: Ensure wheelchair and commode brakes are locked during transfers.

• Talk about safety:

  • Involve family: Parents and family members play a key role in preventing falls.

  • Educate: Learn about fall risks and how to keep your child safe in the hospital.

Published on: 6/26/2025