What action should be taken to prevent patient falls?

Conducting a fall risk assessment and implementing fall prevention strategies is essential in preventing patient falls. This proactive approach allows healthcare providers to identify patients who are at a higher risk for falling due to various factors such as age, mobility issues, or medical conditions. Once these risks are identified, tailored strategies can be put in place, such as providing appropriate mobility aids, ensuring the environment is free from obstacles, and engaging in staff training focused on fall prevention techniques. This comprehensive assessment and intervention planning effectively reduce the likelihood of falls and enhance patient safety.

Meanwhile, encouraging patients to move independently without evaluating their ability or the safety of their environment can increase the risk of falls. Reducing staffing in high-risk areas can lead to inadequate supervision and support for patients who may need assistance. Ignoring warnings of potential hazards disregards crucial safety measures, making patients more susceptible to falls. Therefore, the best practice is to systematically assess fall risk and put in place strategies that address those specific risks directly.