Introduction:
Following a review (Nov 2022) of 203 residents across four locations, it was noted that falls risk screening tools were used to identify falls risk status. This resulted in a proportion of residents identified as low (5%) and medium risk (28%). New falls prevention guidelines incorporating care homes, recommend against falls risk screening (Montero-Odassa et al, 2022). They recommend that all residents should be considered at high risk of falls and use of a multifactorial falls risk assessment tool (MFRAT) is preferable in falls prevention.

Objectives:
Our aim is a reduction in falls rate by discontinuing the use of falls risk screening tools and implementing a MFRAT. Embed this change within a new standardised falls policy across all locations and deliver staff education sessions to support this change.

Methods:
Stakeholder engagement and development of a falls committee with seven representatives across each location including a quality and patient safety advisor and falls coordinator. Communication strategy of weekly online meetings developed a new falls policy, tailored MFRAT and an audit tool to monitor compliance. Reported falls were cross referenced with our national incident management system.

Results:
Falls rate calculation measured the impact of change. Results demonstrated a 29% reduction in falls rate for the 1st quarter of 2023, compared to 2022. 100% compliance with policy implementation across all locations, with 68% of staff trained through education sessions.

Conclusion:
Implementing a MFRAT, supported by staff education and associated falls prevention interventions provides a reduction in fall rates in care home residents.

Authors:
Alison Wellwood, Health Service Executive, Ireland
Niamh Brophy, Health Service Executive, Ireland
Noela Huele, Health Service Executive, Ireland
Hannah Mohandass, Health Service Executive, Ireland
Bini Joseph, Health Service Executive, Ireland
Thresiamma Thomas, Health Service Executive, Ireland
Sumi Johny, Health Service Executive, Ireland

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Alison Wellwood is a Civil Servant at Health Service Executive in Ireland

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