Checklist for Investigating Officers undertaking Fall Fracture Investigations
· Did the patient have a diagnosis of dementia?
o If yes, was a Mental Capacity Assessment undertaken?
o When?
o If not, why not?
· Did the patient show signs of delirium?
o If yes, was a formal delirium assessment undertaken?
o What was the identified cause of the delirium?
o Was it treated appropriately?
o If not, why not?
· Was the inpatient falls care plan completed within 6 hours of admission?
o If no inpatient falls care plan in place, were the falls risks appropriately assessed on the new documentation?
o Was the falls care plan / falls risks reviewed at any time?
o Was a lying and standing BP undertaken?
· If the patient was confused,
o Were they nursed in an appropriate position on the ward?
o Were bed/chair sensors considered?
o Was an ultra low bed considered?
· If the fall was from bed, were bedrails used?
o Were the bedrails up at the time of the fall?
· If the fall was from a chair or commode, were their mobility and their ability to transfer safely assessed?
· Is there any indication on the Safeguard incident report about their footwear or whether their walking aid was within reach?
· Was a medication review undertaken for culprit drugs for falls (see SHFT falls medication list)?
o Were they prescribed any new medications just prior to the fall?
o What was the last medication taken prior to the injurious fall? Could this be relevant?
· Was an osteoporosis risk assessment undertaken?
o Was the patient taking a Bisphosphonate and/or Calcium and Vitamin D?
· Was the SHFT post fall protocol followed?
· Was a post falls checklist completed after the fall?
· If the patient hit their head or the fall was unwitnessed, were neurological observations undertaken as per Slips, Trips & Falls policy?
· Was an incident form completed on Safeguard?
· What percentage of ward staff have attended Sips, Trips & Falls training as per falls policy?
· Have the ward staff attended Falls Scenario training?
· At Lymington Hospital, if Arjo flat-lifting equipment was required, was it used appropriately?
o If not, were the staff involved in using this equipment trained in its use?
Version 1. SHFT Falls prevention team 07/12/2012