Research by the American Hospital Association's Health Research & Educational Trust is reporting how five major hospitals reduced overall falls by 35 percent, according to an article on the Hospitals and Health Networks website.
"Preventing Patient Falls: A Systematic Approach from the Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare Project" said the hospitals use tools from Lean Six Sigma as well as change management methodologies to reduce falls.
If the process approach is applied to a typical 200-bed hospital, staff can expect 72 fewer injuries and $1 million in costs saved, according to the report.
An estimated 700,000 to 1 million people fall in U.S. hospitals each year, with 30 to 35 percent of those sustaining injuries, the report said.
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