Evidence-Based Pearls: Falls in the Intensive Care Unit

Alison H Davis; Aimme J McCauley

doi:10.1016/j.cnc.2023.02.008

Evidence-Based Pearls: Falls in the Intensive Care Unit

Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2023 Jun;35(2):161-170. doi: 10.1016/j.cnc.2023.02.008. Epub 2023 Mar 27.

Authors

Alison H Davis¹, Aimme J McCauley²

Affiliations

¹ School of Nursing, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, 1900 Gravier Street, #5A10, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. Electronic address: adav27@lsuhsc.edu.
² School of Nursing, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, 1900 Gravier Street, #5B7, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.

PMID: 37127373
DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2023.02.008

Abstract

Falls in the ICU are multifaceted, affecting patients of all ages. Historically, falls have been associated with patients in the hospital environment, but fall rates after discharge and readmission rates following a fall are now areas of concern. Recent innovations to prevent risks related to sedation and immobility in the hospital have revealed their impact on ICU patients and fall risk. Risk factors for falls in the ICU relate to length of stay and acuity-related care requirements, such as mechanical ventilation, sedation, and prolonged immobilization. Evidence-based fall prevention includes screening tools, prevention bundles/programs, and implementing clinical practice guidelines.

Keywords: Critical care; Evidence-based bundle; Evidence-based prevention; Falls; Intensive care; Risk assessment; Risk factors.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Critical Care*
Humans
Intensive Care Units*
Length of Stay
Respiration, Artificial