The number of falls-related incidents in NSW public hospitals is high compared to other states. Most patients who are reported to have fallen in hospital are aged 65 and over.
The falls in hospital initiative aims to reduce the frequency and severity of falls during hospital admission. It focuses on:
Lessons learned from the Falls in Hospital initiative have led to the development of the model for Comprehensive Care.
The Clinical Excellence Commission’s safety model for Comprehensive Care aims to minimise harm to ensure safe, reliable and high value care for older people. This model builds on the Falls in hospital initiative, with a broader focus on the person and the safety system required to help drive sustained improvement. It aligns with the Australian Commission on Safety Quality Health Care National Standard 5: Comprehensive Care – minimising harm.
The Comprehensive Care model ensures patient, family and carer experiences and outcomes are at the centre of our clinical care. There is a focus on quality improvement involving health staff, patients, their families and carers in improvement for older persons’ safety. It incorporates team safety fundamentals including safety huddles and clinical handover, and clinical care actions that address patient fundamental care needs. It is anticipated that through improved focus on minimising harm there will be a reduction in hospital acquired complications such as falls, pressure injury, delirium, malnutrition and infection.
The CEC are supporting local health districts and Speciality Health Networks to implement the model for Comprehensive Care by:
Visit the Clinical Excellence Commission for more information.
