AROUND THE WORLD IN 16 WAYS: Searching Internationally for Fall Prevention Strategies

Pennsylvania fall rates have remained relatively steady over the past six years, ranging from 3.09–3.33 falls per 1,000 patient days. Other studies estimate that hospital falls occur at a rate of 3.56 per 1,000 patient days1 and 700,000 to one million patients fall each year.2 Falls in Pennsylvania continue to be one of the biggest contributors to patient harm and the fourth most frequently reported adverse event. Looking more broadly, falls are also a frequent cause of patient harm across the United States and globally. A review of international fall prevention strategies revealed that while no single country has been able to eradicate patient falls, several had implemented measures showing moderate levels of success. Those struggling with a high incidence of falls may benefit from reviewing and adopting one or more of these innovative techniques.