Hospital Fall Prevention Procedure

DG of Health Services and Programmes

Acknowledgement

Director General of Specialized Medical Care (DGSMC) would like to express its deepest appreciation to staff in all the medical rehabilitation institution in the country who have participated in writing this procedure; their remarks, comments and feedback were very helpful. Special thanks go to the following staff:

Samiya Al Raisi

Directorate General of Specialized Medical Care

Jokha Al-Abrawi

Al Nahdha Hospital

Saada Al Suqri

Directorate General of Nursing Affairs

Sara Al Balushi

Directorate General of Medical Supplies

Asaad Al- Qasmi

Director General of Specialized Medical Care

Acronyms:

MOH

Ministry of Health

RN

Register Nurse

1 - Introduction

Falls are a public health problem worldwide. Hospitalization increases fall risk due to the unfamiliar environment, illnesses, and treatments. Patient falls and fall-related injuries are devastating not only to patients but also to clinicians, and the health care system. A single fall may result in a fear of falling and begin a downward spiral of reduced mobility, leading to loss of function and greater risk of falls. Older adults are more likely to be injured from a fall. Beside that injurious falls increase hospital costs and lengths of stay.