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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

L.S. Bishop jr., BS, School of Public Health, Jackson State University, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39213, (601)-982-8749, hotshot@netdoor.com and Clifton C. Addison, PhD, Jackson Heart Study/Project Health, Jackson State University, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Drive, Suite 701, Jackson, MS 39213.

Objective: Every year, large numbers of patients suffer severe injuries as a result of falls. The objective of this program was to minimize risk of falls and to ensure proper procedures when a hospitalized patient falls at a medical facility. Methods: The VA Fall Prevention Program was designed as a measure of safety and accountability. Patients were assessed based on their potential fall-risk characteristics. Assessment of a patient's risk potential was also based on age, sex, and diagnosis. Guidelines were developed for staff to be proactive in predicting the risk for falling and taking all necessary precautions to prevent and reduce serious injury. Policies and procedures were established for early identification of patients at high risk for falls. Results: The majority of the patients at the G.V. Montgomery VA Medical Center, located in Jackson, Mississippi, are age 55 and over. Entering patients are screened for fall risk using a Morse Fall Scale. The Unit Fall Prevention Program Liaison devises a special surveillance schedule for patients determined to be at high risk for falling. Six types of falls were identified and staff is trained to be vigilant based on the patient's score on the Morse Scale. Discussion: It is predicted that the total number of falls resulting in injury in the United States will reach almost 17.5 million by the year 2020, costing an estimated $85 billion in health care and recovery. Elderly patients with physical and cognitive limitations, exposed to unfamiliar and potentially hazardous surroundings, are especially at risk.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning Objectives
• Participants will be able to recognize the need for policies to protect the elderly
• Participants will be able to importance of regular surveillance of patients in medical facilities
• Participants will be able to understand the extent of the problem of patients’ falls

Keywords: Adult Health, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered