Cost of inpatient falls and cost-benefit analysis of implementation of an evidence-based fall prevention program (20 January 2023)

Summary

This study in JAMA Health Forum aimed to assess the costs of inpatient falls and cost benefits associated with the Fall TIPS (Tailoring Interventions for Patient Safety) Program. The authors carried out an economic evaluation across a large cohort of 900,635 patients. The average total cost of a fall was $62 521 ($35 365 direct costs), and injury was not significantly associated with increased costs. The Fall TIPS Program was associated with $22 million in savings at study sites across the five year study period.

The findings of this study indicate that implementation of cost-effective, evidence-based safety programs was associated with lower cost and care burdens associated with inpatient falls and are a step toward safer, more affordable patient care.