Masterclass: Patient Falls – The Role of Moving & Handling

More than 250,000 patient falls occur annually in hospitals in the United Kingdom (BMJ). Patient falls are among the most commonly reported patient safety incidents to the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA). Following a fall it is important to have a rapid response to the event, including the assessment of the situations and plan of how to recover the patient from the floor. In 2011 a rapid response report was issued by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) relating to essential care following an in-patient fall.  The main purpose of the document was to instruct organisations to develop and implement protocols that would enhance the post-fall recovery of patients, ensuring that safe manual handling, prompt assessment and subsequent treatment be initiated. Failure to implement clear guidance can exacerbate any existing trauma and delay recover

A number of factors can contribute and increase the occurrence of a patient fall. Once a fall has occurred it is paramount that not only immediate remedial action is taken but also governance processes are adhered to such as escalating this occurrence to a senior manager and in particular serious incidents.

The structure of the masterclass is designed to ensure attendees understand and retain knowledge they have gained. Also to be able to transfer this knowledge to their teams and colleagues. The masterclass is an interactive session that is delivered in light of the current challenges of working in the NHS.

Key learning objectives

• Understand how to prevent and manage patient falls
• Practical understanding of how to manage patients once they have fallen
• Understanding how to complete a Falls Risk Assessment
• Repercussions for not managing falls
• How to report and escalate an incident
• Recognise a serious falls incident