15 * OUTCOME OF INPATIENT FALLS IN SINGLE BEDDED AND MULTI-BEDDED BAYS

Abstract

Background: Falls is the most reported clinical incident to National Patient Safety Agency. 30% to 51% of falls in acute and rehabilitation hospitals result in some injury and 1–3% fragility fracture. Studies have suggested increased falls incidence in single-bedded hospitals. The aim of study is to compare the outcome of in-patient falls in a new hospital site with 100% single rooms and old hospital with single and multi-bedded hospital design.Sampling methods: Retrospective standard in-patient audit data on documented falls and associated injury were obtained from both sites over 18 months each; no change in demographics, size and characteristics of population except change in the geography of new hospital.Results: Total number of in-patient falls incidents reported over the 3 years were 1749 (131 excluded due to missing data).New hospital siteOld hospital siteP valueNumber of patients who had fallsEpisodes of falls5351244224374Mean Age (yrs)Female % (n)80.34 ±10.2750.7 (271)80.99 ±12.3951.3 (115)NSNSIncidence of falls/1000 patient bed daysMean falls/in-patient fallerRange of falls15.822.33 ± 2.871–335.441.66 ± 1.461–12p = 0.02p = 0.001Overall fracture incidenceFracture incidence/1000 bed daysHip fracture incidence/1000 bed days5.2%0.360.152.6%0.070.04p = 0.11p < 0.0001p < 0.0001Inpatient mortality/1000 bed daysOver all in-patient mortality, % (n)1.2919.1 (102)0.5216.1 (36)Median length of stay41.99 ± 37.849.91 ± 37.8p < 0.008Conclusion: This observation shows a statistically significant increased incidence of falls and fracture in 100% single-occupancy hospital design compared to mixed single and multi-bed facility. Consideration should be given to increased incidence of falls and falls related injury in single-occupancy room when deciding percentage of single room provision in building new hospitals providing care to frail older adult.