My Hospital Last Winter Experienced Very High Number Of Admi

My Hospital Last Winter Experienced Very High Number Of Admissions T

My hospital last winter experienced a significant surge in admissions, which strained our resources and staffing. The absence of code diversion meant we had to utilize pre and post-operative areas for inpatients, resulting in a shortage of CNAs across all departments. This, combined with high patient acuity and increased fall risk, heightened concerns about patient safety. Despite using bed alarms to monitor fall risks, the alarms went off frequently due to the volume of confused and elderly patients, yet staffing shortages prevented timely responses, leading to an increase in falls. Literature indicates that falls cause serious injuries and substantial costs, with national data showing fall-related injuries cost billions annually (American Nurse Today, 2014). After tragic patient falls and fatalities, our hospital implemented measures like increasing CNA staffing, allowing sitters without doctor’s orders, and maintaining CNA on-call shifts. These interventions proved effective in enhancing patient safety, and it is essential they remain in place to prevent future tragedies during peak times. Adequate staffing and proactive safety protocols are vital in managing patient risks, especially during periods of high hospital admissions.

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Hospitals frequently experience surge periods that test their capacity and safety protocols. The case of my hospital last winter underscores the critical importance of staffing adequacy in preventing patient falls and injuries, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly. High patient volumes accompanied by high acuity levels increase the likelihood of falls, which are notably costly and sometimes fatal. Despite technological aids such as bed alarms, human response remains paramount—yet staffing shortages often impair timely intervention (Gillespie et al., 2012). Implementing comprehensive safety measures, including increased staffing levels, sitters, and flexible protocols, is proven to reduce fall incidences and improve outcomes (Oliver et al., 2010). The proactive steps taken by our administration, prompted by tragic patient outcomes, demonstrate how targeted staffing and safety policies can effectively mitigate risks. These measures should become standard, especially during peak admission periods, to uphold patient safety and avoid avoidable tragedies. Consistent evaluation and adaptation of fall prevention strategies are essential in healthcare to ensure optimal patient care amidst fluctuating hospital demands.

References

• American Nurse Today. (2014). Preventing patient falls: An essential nursing priority. Retrieved from https://www.americannursetoday.com
• Gillespie, L. D., et al. (2012). Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9), CD007146.
• Oliver, D., et al. (2010). Strategies to prevent falls and fractures in hospitals and care homes. The Cochrane Library, Issue 1.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2008). Hospital-Acquired Conditions Reduction Program. CMS.gov.
• Yardley, L., et al. (2006). A randomized controlled trial of a home-based fall prevention program. Age and Ageing, 35(4), 297–302.
• Sherrington, C., et al. (2019). Effective exercise for preventing falls: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Gerontology.
• Rubenstein, L. Z. (2006). Falls in older persons: Epidemiology, risk factors and strategies for prevention. Age and Ageing, 35(suppl_2), ii37–ii41.
• Haines, T. P., et al. (2011). A prospective cohort study of fall risk factors among elderly patients. Journals of Gerontology Series A, 66(3), 323–330.
• Kannus, P., et al. (2005). Hip fractures in elderly people: prevention and management. Osteoporosis International, 16(4), 487–491.
• Sherrington, C., et al. (2017). Exercise for preventing falls in older adults: An updated review. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1), CD012424.