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Falls in patients on anticoagulants has been a constant concern for quite some time, puzzling physicians on the weight of risks present. For instance, does the risk of adding an anticoagulant outweigh that of the risk of sustaining a fall? We know that often times fall risk screenings are just a visual observation or assumption that is subjective at best. A fall sustained from a patient who is currently taking anticoagulants can be devastating with complications that often go unseen. So knowing the fall risk factors present in a patient before anticoagulant treatment is critical. What is also critical is knowing what other options are available that do not involve anticoagulants as an alternative and safe approach to those who have high fall risk factors. The “CIRCUL8 Pro” is one such solution and pairs perfectly as a much safer alternative to anticoagulation therapy for the high fall risk population. By utilizing this technology, a proactive approach to DVT treatment can be aggressively made while also utilizing the Safe Balance platform to create a risk-mitigation intervention plan to prevent future falls. https://natfonline.org/2020/08/falls-and-anticoagulation/

A while ago, I was spending a great deal of time traveling along the east coast of the US (Maryland seems to be my second home as of late) and came across an article that really made me think of the frustration and struggle a lot of health systems have regarding patient falls and safety measures. When meeting with a hospital-system CNO, we had a discussion regarding their practices in fall prevention. I was told that they utilize the MORSE Scale to identify whether a patient was a High/Mod/Low Risk of falls. When pressed, she disclosed that the overwhelming majority of patients under this scale measured in the “High Fall Risk” category (over 80%). When the intervention plan was opened up regarding the High/Mod/Low risk categories, she disclosed that it was a “one size fits all” protocol. For instance, if a patient scored as a “high fall risk” they would be given supervision, toileting assistance, a wrist band, walker for ambulation, and more. What was clear was that there wasn’t a lot of specifics and a lot of wasted resources. For instance, if a patient does not have a need for an assistive device, why is one being introduced anyway? What if the primary factor for the patient’s increased fall risk is medication side effects, yet we are placing emphasis on other areas? This approach leads to what we like to call “missing the point”, and is an example why fall rates are continuing to rise despite some form of protocols that are being introduced in these systems. Screening tools misused as assessments aren’t effective. Assessments without an intervention component aren’t effective. Interventions blindly introduced without focus on the patient’s needs are inefficient and often miss what is needed. So what is the answer? Asking yourself “how do I keep THIS patient safe?” is a start, but how do you actually know how to keep that patient fall free? By using the Safe Balance system, you will know what risk factors are individually present in THAT patient…as well as what risk factors are present in the next patient, and the other one down the hall that are under your care. With this information, and the results generated from the Safe Balance system, your intervention plan is patient-centered, focused and committed based on the individual under your care…not some “one size fits all” approach. Our clinical team across the country demonstrates this concept on a regular basis with very intriguing results. It is an eye-opening experience however one with a sense of relief that a patient-centered approach to fall prevention allows clinical care teams to provide much better and more efficient care. “How do I prevent THIS patient from falling” will lead to “How do we prevent patients from falling” with the right tool and information for your clinicians to act. Schedule a demonstration of the Safe Balance system on one of your floors today and see how we can help you bring this concept into a reality! https://psnet.ahrq.gov/perspective/implementing-fall-prevention-program #fallprevention #patientsafety #hospitals #patientcentered #healthcare

When it comes to fall prevention, you can never spread enough awareness. The amount of elderly and high-risk patients that fall every day is exponentially continuing to rise due to the ever-increasing aging population and rise in comorbidities in the United States. With that being said, fall prevention should be at the forefront of all healthcare settings. However, no amount of effort from physicians and clinicians will ever be sufficient if the patients themselves are not educated on the graveness of the problem or the potential risk they are at. This is why patient education materials are extremely important, but perhaps underutilized. According to Haines, Hill & Hill et al. (2011), it was identified that when a patient education program coupled with an OT follow-up was utilized, there was a 50% reduction in patients fall rates, both with impaired and intact cognitive function. This is a significant finding that should not be overlooked and suggests that patient education on fall prevention and fall risk plays a vital role in preventing these unfortunate occurrences. Upon completion of the Safe Balance Assessment, a patient-specific fall prevention framework is generated focusing on mitigating each individual risk area using evidence-based pathways. Further, this care plan focuses on keeping the patient safe during their stay in the facility as well as a discharge framework to keep them safe at home and preventing readmissions. A big component of this is the Patient Education Materials that the Safe Balance program generates that can be emailed and/or printed and handed directly to the patient themselves. These education materials cover topics such as bladder health, medication information, home safety, home exercise suggestions, blood pressure information, etc. to ensure that the patient is educated on ways that they can decrease their risk. Not only will the patient leave knowing their fall risk factors and have clinical framework of how to mitigate their risk, but they will also have educational materials that will help take charge of their risks and health long past the direct treatment in your facility. Patient education on fall risk and prevention is one of the key foundations of the Safe Balance program to help ensure that loved ones are kept safe. #Fallprevention #hospitals #injuryfree #neverevents Haines TP, Hill A, Hill KD, et al. Patient Education to Prevent Falls Among Older Hospital Inpatients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Arch Intern Med. 2011;171(6):516–524. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2010.444

We have seen the many articles, publications, studies and analysis papers on the cost and liabilities associated with falls. But what about the emotional and mental well-beings of patients and their families? Speaking from experience, EVERYONE in senior leadership has been affected by a loved one falling. This is one of the many reasons we are so passionate about what we do. Through daily interaction in our office spaces, in the hallway or through casual discussion, the subject of falls from people we know occurs more often than we care to admit. Through a recent search of articles, one stuck out as an important discussion points. Titled "The emotional consequences of falls for older people and their families", this older article examines an area that warrants further exploration, research and ultimately a solution. In this article, it identifies that while 25% of patients exhibit a fear of falling, upwards of 58% of their caregivers stated that they have increased fear of their loved one falling again. Fear, in and of itself, is an emotional manifestation rather than a physical one, and with the numbers reported as well as the correlation between fear of falling and actual falls, it is important to highlight. Some alarming statistics cited: 6% of people who’d suffered a fall were unable to get up by themselves for over an hour or more 62% of those who’d fallen had suffered some kind of injury, with 40% of those describing their injuries as moderate or extensive Sadly, more than 1 in 20 (7%) of the study sample they spoke to were concerned that no-one would even notice if they fell because they don’t see anyone for days on end. 23% of older people in the study said poor street conditions (poor lighting or poor pavements) made them feel less confident about leaving their home. And finally, the fear of falling was shown to have a direct correlation with increasing age. Over one in five (21%) of those aged 75-79 were worried about falling whilst this increased to over one in three (35%) of the over 85’s. Helping people remain active, engaged and thinking positively about their functional participation is one way to continue to move forward toward a more independent life! We know that not all falls will be prevented, however even just stopping one from occurring can positively alter the negative cycle that can begin a long spiral to dependence. If you or your loved one lives in a supportive community, ask them about their fall prevention program and see how it measures against other proactive systems. As always, if you are worried about you or your loved one sustaining a fall, ask your physician about a Safe Balance assessment and how this program can keep you as independent as possible! #fallprevention #safebalance #senior #seniorliving https://mangarhealth.com/us/market-insights/unspoken-emotional-impact-falling-old-age/

As more and more patients and providers perform surgical procedures in ASCs, there becomes an increase in focus on the transitional care piece to fall prevention. In other words, focus does occur on patient fall prevention in the facility, however special attention is required when assessing a patient for their risk and fall prevention practices once they return home. Are they in a safe environment with their condition? Do they have adequate support and assistance? Are community-based services readily available and introduced? Have all appropriate measures been introduced prior to the surgery? If you think about the process of being treated in an ASC, chances are there are a lot of missing components to the above checklist. Additionally, when you think about it, most patients who are typically seen in an ASC have an underlying medical condition that increases risk. Further with the introduction of anesthesia and medications, a patient's risk is further compounded to a potentially catastrophic level. Jan Davidson, MSN, RN, CNOR, CASC, director of the Ambulatory Surgery Division at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses is quoted as stating "given that all patients have gone through some kind of invasive procedure, it puts them all at risk for falls. Everyone who works there needs to have heightened awareness that patients they’re taking care of have that risk." But what about discharge planning? With the introduction of these new risk factors, additional measures should be brought into play. These may include proactive DVT prevention measures, referral to home health or outpatient therapy, a home safety and preparation checklist, introduction of DME/ADs, etc. The Safe Balance program focuses on the discharge component allowing for the measurement of new risk factors being tied into the decision making process, leading to a more elongated program designed for enhanced effectiveness. Rather than just limiting your ASC's fall prevention program to the brief time they are in the facility, expand beyond that into the days to come. Find out how Safe Balance's ASC version brings about specific focus to keeping the patient thriving at home safely after discharge! Inquire about licensing today! #fallprevention #safebalance #surgerycenters The Joint Commission. Preventing falls and fall-related injuries in health care facilities. Sentinel Event Alert 2015; 55. Accessed at http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/SEA_55.pdf. AAAHC. Patient Safety Toolkit: Ambulatory Surgery and Preventing Falls. 2013. Web: http://bit.ly/1MiqjpH.

DVTs are a prevalent issue for many, however often times there isn't a clear connection between them and heightened fall risk. If you think about it, it doesn't take much to understand that the two can be closely and inversely related: falls can lead to DVTs and DVTs can lead to falls. A study examining this relationship brought about some interesting points as it related to a particular case examining "knee buckling" from an 87 year old patient. When examining the case, symptoms and subsequent diagnosis, it was identified that perhaps the patients frequent falls with knee buckling occurred in association with OA and bilateral DVT, as the knee buckling episodes ceased following treatment of the bilateral DVTs. As healthcare providers, often times it is important to think outside the box of traditional examinations and relationships among symptoms and diagnosis. As DVTs has demonstrated to be a serious concern and complication from various procedures, fall prevention and fall risk assessment should be introduced into the equation as well. Companies such as Precision Medical Products (PMP) continually provide up-to-date technologies outside of traditional medication to combat DVTs and have even taken the initiative to tackle falls as well with a partnership with Safe Balance. Through the identification of risk process provided by Safe Balance and the solution-minded intervention capabilities of PMP, there is now a direct and focused solution to stopping the cycle and interchangeability associated between DVTs and falls. Find out more how licensing the Safe Balance technology alongside our partner's solutions can address a multitude of risk factors proactively and focally! #safebalance #dvts #precisionmedicalproducts #fallprevention

Technology that is incorporated into the care delivery in hospitals has reached remarkable levels! It is quite amazing to see the ingenuity and advancements that people and companies have made over the years. Hospital beds and their capabilities are no exception. A study recently cited highlights that approximately 85% of falls occur in a patient's room, with 79% of falls being unassisted. When examining the key elements of bed technology along with the overwhelming occurrence of falls where beds are stationed, one must think about how an improved and modern bed fleet can assist in fall reductions. Linet Americas is a leader in the industry and has taken great strides in utilizing technology to assist in the delivery of healthcare in the hospitals they serve. Their trademarked Mobi-Lift technology found on a number of their ICU and Med-Surg products assists staff and patients on early mobility efforts through supporting sit-to-stand transitions with support provided by upper extremities of the patient. Their lateral tilt capability also assists in preparing the patient effortlessly for transitional movements outside of the bed. When combined with a proprietary program like Safe Balance, Linet's bed technology stands as a complete difference maker into fall prevention practices. In fact, the Safe Balance software engine directly recommends the utilization of certain bed technologies based on results from our comprehensive fall-risk assessment. Knowing how and why we need to keep our patients safe is critical. However, using every piece of technology at our disposal hand-in-hand and not separately is a key to preventing falls in the hospital. #linetamericas #safebalance #fallprevention #hospitals

Falls in a great way effect the flow and care aspects of an Emergency Department. Too often it is because of a fall that a person presents to the Emergency Department and ultimately an admission to the hospital if warranted. In other instances, the person is discharged home where their deconditioned state makes it likely that a future fall could occur. In essence, these scenarios create a perpetual revolving door, frustrating providers, hospital administrators and most importantly, the patient themselves. Today, falls remain a major research priority for Emergency Departments in an effort to at minimum slow the cycle. When you look at this effort, it is important to first identify "what" is currently being done as a foundation of discussion. In order to begin this discussion, we have to look at two components: 1) how do we identify those with higher risks and 2) what do we do with them? The answer to the first question is deceivingly difficult, as there are a number of tools readily used today. However, context and actual examination of the criteria that the tool falls into is critical. For instance, it is not appropriate to utilize a "screening tool" (think of a yes/no checklist or one based on subjective observation) as an "assessment tool" (a procedure that objectively identifies a person's risk through a series of standardized assessments which can lead to a diagnosis or functional impairment rating). The CDC created their STEADI Algorithm which identifies the separate roles and functions of screening and assessment as a means to gather important fall-risk related information. With the assessment information complete, an action plan can then be concretely developed that is meaningful and patient-centered. So we have the appropriate information, now what do we do with it? Here is where the Safe Balance program offers unparalleled capability to your system. With the results calculated, the Safe Balance program then generates a patient-centered care plan to prevent falls during their stay based on the findings in the assessment. Further, the software then generates a care plan to be implemented in the discharge planning process, leading to extended reach, application beyond the Emergency Department, and into community-based services! If you are looking for a concept that slows or stops the cyclical fall-related problems faced by the Emergency Department, check out how Safe Balance can provide your department and clinicians with the information they need to make informed decisions leading to better fall-prevention care. Send us a message here today! #safebalance #fallprevention #emergencydepartment #dataanalytics #discharge

Falls are costly to both the patient and the healthcare system. What complicates things even more is that they effect a number of different cost points including direct costs, soft costs, liabilities, penalties, and more. So what does the "actual" figure "look like" for a fall and a fall related injury in a hospital or health system and more importantly, how can we address this concern head on with significant results! According to a source, each year approximately 700,000-1,000,000 patients fall in the hospital. Of those, 30-35% sustain an injury that requires treatment, which adds an average of approximately 6 days to the length of stay. Real dollars then creates a cost of over $14,000.00 per patient who sustains and injury following a fall, costing the US healthcare system over $34B annually. At Safe Balance, we understand the negative impact surrounding falls and have made it our mission to tackle this epidemic head on! With the utilization of our software platform, physicians, nurses, therapists and other care providers can directly identify where risks are, how severe they are, and ultimately mitigate those risks before a fall occurs. Additionally, the Safe Balance software also assists the physician and team in discharge planning to not only keep the patient safe in the facility, but put continued measures in place when they return home, thus preventing readmissions. Additionally, with the comprehensive data analytics platform of Safe Balance, your clinical analyst team will be able to identify meaningful trends, outliers and other important information to proactively educate, engage and allocate resources proactively to address needs unique to the facility and community. In short, by incorporating Safe Balance, there isn't a scenario where your clinicians and administration won't be better equipped and more well-informed to tackle falls head on, leading to fewer occurrences, readmissions and reducing costs at great length, while providing a higher threshold of patient care. Find out more on how to bring Safe Balance to your system through a cost-free trial on one or two of your units/floors! #safebalance #fallprevention #hospitals #costreduction

Falling is not and should be accepted as a normal part of aging. Sadly, this is a conversation that seemingly happens much more than you think, and requires a certain mindset to adopt in order to proactively reduce your risk of falls. While many resources exist to help seniors living independently or in supportive communities, few are as recognized in their mission and stance than the National Council on Aging (NCOA.org). This important organization has provided countless resources to those who are at risk of a fall or for those who are fearful. Safe Balance by process, engages in a 3-step framework to identify a person's fall risk: screening, assessment and intervention. To date, we haven't found a better tool to utilize than the screening tool used in the NCOA's "Falls Free Checkup" survey, originally crafted by the CDC. In fact, we believe so strongly in its use, that it is incorporated in every Safe Balance assessment that is given. This simple and straightforward survey not only asks you very important questions, but also prompts your thought process as it relates to your current risk of falls through self reflection. You can find the link to the "Falls Free Checkup" from the NCOA here. If you feel that you are at a heightened risk, please contact your physician and ask for a Safe Balance assessment today. #safebalance #fallprevention #ncoa #fallsfreecheckup

Through the course of research evolution, it is important to have a firm understanding of where certain findings/papers originated. While most references of recent papers keep their citations within the past 5-10 years, a few articles, books, etc stand the test of time and are utilized far beyond a typical expiration date. These foundational studies help craft the future of clinical application and procedure allowing for elongated examination on various forms of effectiveness in the patient populations served. "The Second Fifty Years: Promoting Health and Preventing Disability", specifically in Chapter 15, "Falls in Older Persons: Risk Factors and Prevention", a consistent outcome is reported that we continually see in both policy and research 20+ years later. In this chapter, it is identified that falls are a key element in injury and diminished functional participation including fear of falling, decreased ADL participation, and loss of mobility. Additionally, most injuries to the elderly, including fractures of the hip, humerus, pelvis, etc are the result of the combined effect of a fall and osteoporosis. As healthcare professionals, we are often tasked with repairing the results of a fall, yet are missing key components in examination, screening and assessment that could provide vital insight into preventing the occurrence of a future fall, such as those stemming from syncope, abnormal postural cardiac responses VS those that are mechanical in nature. Fall are often times multifactorial in underlying causes and should be treated as such. Evidence is overwhelming on the importance of using assessments that examine multiple areas of risk as a baseline to mitigate the risks identified. Without the assessment-to-intervention framework, there becomes an element of "guessing" or "hoping" that the specific intervention has a positive effect. A class, for instance is beneficial, but not beneficial to all for instance...so how do we identify those who it would be beneficial for with concrete support? Safe Balance acts as your "eyes and ears" in this framework and has showcased itself as a vital tool in assisting providers in identifying applicable risk factors and an evidence-based pathway of mitigation. Even from a decade plus ago, research established and continues to establish the success of this model in caring for those most vulnerable. Check out the link to the entire article here for additional information and inquire how you can bring Safe Balance into your provision of service today here! #fallprevention #safebalance #assessmenttointervention #seniors #qualityoutcomes

Often times, people fail to understand that there are many factors associated with falls. While balance and generalized weakness are a prime culprit, there are other areas that can be the primary driver in a person's increased risk. One particular area that the medical community is continually examining as it related to risk is medications. In a recent publication provided by Dr. Andrew Weil M.D., an enlightening presentation was made as it related to this particular concern. While side effects related to pain medication can easily be correlated to increased risk, many in the public and the healthcare community at-large do not tie-in risk factors created with other drugs, including anti-depression medications, anti-hypertensives, and more! In fact, SAFE BALANCE's most recent data analysis focus has found that a growing risk population is exhibiting increased usage in fall-risk-linked medications along with other complicating factors such as abnormal postural cardiac responses! If you are taking medications that are linked to heightened risk or have questions about medication side effects in general, make sure you consult your physician for a thorough reconciliation and a SAFE BALANCE assessment! Make sure to check out Dr. Weil's page and the referenced article here. #safebalance #fallprevention #medicationsandfallrisk #stoppingfalls #savinglives