Risk Management Analysis 2

RISK MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS 2 RISK MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS

Patients experiencing falls while in a health care setting are largely preventable risks, and many health care facilities have implemented compliance and risk management plans to minimize the chance of a fall occurring by any hospitalized individual. Compliance and risk management plans are implemented to prevent an occurrence of something that has identified precursors and can be avoided in most cases if they are adhered to and implemented.

This paper will identify a particular institution's fall risk management plan and compare it with the corresponding risk management plan of a federal institution intended to provide plans to hospitals and facilities nationwide to continue to provide evidence-based practices in the prevention of patient falls. The institution examined is Hahnemann University Hospital, which follows federal regulations and standards related to fall prevention risk management, aligning closely with national accrediting agency standards. The chosen plan, the Falls Prevention and Resource plan from Hahnemann University Hospital, is comprehensive and adheres to federal and state mandates, including policies, procedures, and post-fall actions (Hahnemann University Hospital, 2013).

Hahnemann University Hospital is a large facility with over 400 beds and a diverse patient population, including many young adults due to its university affiliation. The purpose of risk management in such a setting is to establish standards to ensure patient safety, educate staff on policies, and reduce injury risks—particularly falls, which occur in 15% to 50% of hospitalized patients and can cause significant injuries, including fractures and lacerations (Schwendimann et al., 2015).

Despite existing protocols, there remains a need for ongoing staff education about fall risk and prevention. Incorporating assessments of staff knowledge—an element recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)—would strengthen fall prevention efforts (Roadmap, 2013). While Hahnemann’s plan aligns with many federal and state standards, enhancements such as routine staff knowledge evaluations and setting measurable goals for fall reduction could further decrease fall rates.

Federal agencies like The Joint Commission (TJC) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) mandate evaluation and intervention protocols for fall risk, emphasizing evidence-based practices. These agencies conduct regular surveys and enforce standards, where non-compliance can lead to penalties, loss of accreditation, or funding, ultimately risking hospital sustainability (Oliver, 2007). Such rigor underscores the importance of stringent fall management protocols in safeguarding patient safety and hospital legitimacy.

Hahnemann University Hospital’s fall risk management plan demonstrates compliance and exceeds some standards, covering prevention, incident handling, and post-fall procedures. However, continuous improvement is essential, notably in staff education and goal setting, which are vital aspects of risk mitigation outlined by the AHRQ’s Roadmap (Roadmap, 2013). Implementing regular assessments of staff knowledge about fall prevention and establishing clear objectives for improvement would reinforce hospital safety culture.

To further enhance fall prevention, regular monitoring and evaluation of mitigation strategies should be instituted—monthly assessments of staff practices and quarterly reviews of fall incidents could be effective. Housekeeping protocols should also address environmental factors such as slippery floors to minimize fall risks. These measures, aligned with CDC and AHRQ guidelines, can sustain improvements and adapt to emerging challenges (Stenberg & Wann-Hanssen, 2011).

Risk management programs serve as crucial tools to promote patient safety, ensure adherence to standards, and reduce hospital liabilities. While total prevention of falls may be unrealistic, evidence suggests that systematic approaches can significantly diminish their occurrence and severity (Oliver, 2007). Accrediting bodies like TJC and CMS uphold these standards through surveys and enforcement, reinforcing the pivotal role of comprehensive fall management strategies in healthcare institutions.

In summary, Hahnemann University Hospital’s fall risk management plan effectively aligns with federal and state regulations, incorporating necessary policies and procedures. Nonetheless, ongoing staff education, measurable goal-setting, environmental safety practices, and continuous monitoring are recommended to strengthen fall prevention efforts further. The hospital’s proactive approach underscores the importance of a holistic and dynamic risk management system in safeguarding patient well-being and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

Paper For Above instruction

Falls in healthcare settings represent a significant patient safety concern that requires meticulous risk management and adherence to evidence-based protocols. The complexity of fall prevention necessitates a multifaceted approach that encompasses policies, staff training, environmental adjustments, and continuous quality improvement. This paper critically analyzes the fall risk management plan of Hahnemann University Hospital, compares it with federally mandated standards, and offers strategic recommendations to enhance patient safety outcomes.

Hahnemann University Hospital, a large academic medical center, exemplifies a healthcare institution committed to patient safety through comprehensive risk management strategies. Its Falls Prevention and Resource plan aligns with the standards set forth by the Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which emphasize risk assessment, individualized interventions, staff education, and post-fall reviews (Hahnemann University Hospital, 2013). The plan encompasses essential elements such as identifying patient fall risk factors, implementing preventive measures like bed alarms and non-slip footwear, and establishing protocols for managing falls effectively when they occur.

The hospital’s approach reflects an understanding that fall prevention is not solely about identifying risks but also about fostering a safety culture. By educating staff regularly on the latest fall prevention practices, the institution can reduce the likelihood of incidents. Additionally, the plan emphasizes the importance of documentation and reporting, which are critical for ongoing risk assessment and quality improvement initiatives.

Federal agencies play an instrumental role in shaping hospital fall management through accreditation and oversight. The Joint Commission's standards explicitly require hospitals to evaluate each patient's fall risk and implement tailored interventions (Sentinel Event Alert #55, 2015). Non-compliance can lead to accreditation withdrawal and financial penalties, underscoring the importance of strict adherence. CMS further incentivizes compliance by linking reimbursement to patient safety metrics, including fall prevention programs (CMS, 2020).

Despite the robust nature of Hahnemann’s plan, research indicates additional measures could further mitigate fall risks. Notably, assessing staff knowledge regularly ensures that frontline caregivers are equipped with current information and best practices (Roadmap, 2013). Establishing measurable goals such as a targeted percentage reduction in falls annually provides benchmarks for success and facilitates accountability. Implementing periodic environmental audits to identify hazards like wet floors or poor lighting complements staff-focused interventions.

Furthermore, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement influences patient safety positively. Training modules, simulation exercises, and feedback loops help staff internalize safety protocols and adapt to new challenges (Stenberg & Wann-Hanssen, 2011). The hospital could also leverage technology by utilizing real-time monitoring systems and data analytics to identify trends and preempt potential fall risks (Oliver et al., 2007).

The strategic integration of these measures aligns with the principles of risk management—proactive identification, prevention, and swift response. Such comprehensive strategies not only improve patient outcomes but also protect hospitals from legal and financial repercussions resulting from fall-related injuries. In conclusion, while Hahnemann University Hospital demonstrates commendable compliance with existing standards, adopting a continuous improvement model centered on staff education, environmental safety, and data-driven decision-making will further reduce fall incidents and enhance overall patient safety.

References

• Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2020). Hospital-Acquired Conditions Reduction Program. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/medicare-fee-for-service-payment/acuity-adjusted-patient-safety-indicators
• Hahnemann University Hospital Policy. (2013). Fall Prevention Policy. https://content/uploads/2013/11/Hahnemann_falls_policy.pdf
• Oliver, D., et al. (2007). Preventing falls and fall injuries in hospitals: a major risk management challenge. Clinical Risk, 13(5), 173–178.
• Roadmap. (2013). Preventing Falls in Hospitals. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/hospital/falls/roadmap.html
• Sentinel Event Alert #55: Preventing falls and fall-related injuries in health care facilities. (2015). The Joint Commission. https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/patient-safety-topics/sentinel-event/
• Schwendimann, R., et al. (2015). Fall incidents in hospitalized patients: An integrative review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 24(5-6), 629-644.
• Stenberg, M., & Wann-Hanssen, G. (2011). Nurses' perceptions of fall risk assessment and prevention: A qualitative study. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 25(2), 364-373.
• United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. (2019). Hospital patient safety initiatives. https://oig.hhs.gov
• World Health Organization. (2018). Falls in older age. WHO Report.
• Weiss, J., et al. (2021). Enhancing fall prevention strategies through patient and staff education. Safety Science, 135, 105133.