Authors: (including presenting author): :
Ip KLR(1), Liu KT(1), Ho YC(1), Kwong ST(1), Wong CK(1), Tai HM(1), Chan LM(1), Kwok CC(1), Leung ML(1), Tsai MK(1), Wei CY(1), Lam YF(1), Ng ML(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hospital Authority
Keyword 1: :
Fall Prevention
Introduction: :
Patient falls remain a major safety concern in inpatient care, especially among older and high-risk patients. In the second quarter of 2025, a fall prevention bundle, combining a live-streamed fall drill and structured rounds, was piloted in an acute medical ward to strengthen fall prevention efforts.
Objectives: :
1.To increase participation in fall drills, especially among junior staff 2.To enhance staff competence and confidence in managing patient falls through realistic simulation exercises 3.To identify modifiable fall-related risk factors associated with staff practices, workflow, ward environment
Methodology: :
A standardized inpatient fall scenario was developed and enacted by medical, nursing, and supporting staff as a stimulated fall drill, live-streamed via Zoom to maximize departmental participation. The drill focused on enhancing adherence to fall prevention strategies, post-fall management protocols, and effective team communication during fall incidents. Subsequently, structured fall prevention ward rounds were conducted to review recent fall cases, undertake root cause analyses, and identify risk factors related to staff practices, workflow, and the ward environment. Targeted modifications in practice and environment were implemented based on reviews.
Result & Outcome: :
Participation in the ward-based fall drill increased from 44 staff members in 2024 to 128 in 2025. Among 35 post-drill survey respondents, 54.3% (n = 19) had less than five years of clinical experience; 74.3% (n = 26) reported satisfaction with the drill, 71.4% (n = 25) agreed the virtual format was acceptable, and 65.7% (n = 23) rated the bundle as practical and useful for recognizing and managing fall risks. A 50% reduction in ward fall incidents was observed, with incidents decreasing from 6 in the first two quarters of 2025 (pre-intervention) to 3 in the third and fourth quarters (post-intervention). This improvement was attributed to the combination of fall drill and targeted interventions introduced after the fall prevention rounds, including use of alarm pads for patients sitting out of bed and placement of reminder cards outside each cubicle. The fall prevention bundle demonstrated effectiveness in reducing ward fall incidents.
