Around the world in 16 ways: Searching internationally for fall prevention strategies (September 2020)

Summary

Falls in Pennsylvania continue to be one of the biggest contributors to patient harm and the fourth most frequently reported adverse event. Looking more broadly, falls are also a frequent cause of patient harm across the United States and globally.

Allen and Wallace conducted a review of the literature to identify international strategies and novel approaches to reduce falls and falls from injury, mainly in healthcare facilities, published in the last decade. The review revealed that while no single country has been able to eradicate patient falls, several had implemented measures showing moderate levels of success. Those struggling with a high incidence of falls may benefit from reviewing and adopting one or more of these innovative techniques.