What does the Joint Commission recommend for managing patient falls?

The Joint Commission emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive fall prevention program that includes both assessments and interventions. This approach is critical because it allows healthcare organizations to systematically identify patients at risk for falls and implement specific strategies tailored to their needs. By conducting thorough assessments, facilities can recognize various risk factors, such as mobility limitations, cognitive impairments, or medication effects that contribute to an individual patient's fall risk.

Once these assessments are completed, targeted interventions can be developed. This might include patient education, environmental modifications, and individual mobility plans. The development of such a multifaceted program not only adheres to best practices but is supported by evidence-based guidelines that have been proven to decrease the incidence of falls in healthcare settings.

While other strategies like mobility programs, medication reduction, and increased physical therapy may contribute to overall fall prevention, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive strategy that an effective fall prevention program encompasses. A program focused broadly on assessments and interventions ensures a more structured approach, addressing the many variables that contribute to patient falls.