RUBY RED SOCKS. Kathryn Wallace CNS Chronic and Complex Care FWLHD Jayne Langran CNC Chronic and Complex Care FWLHD

Transcription

1 RUBY RED SOCKS Kathryn Wallace CNS Chronic and Complex Care FWLHD Jayne Langran CNC Chronic and Complex Care FWLHD

2 WHAT ARE THEY? They are double sided, slip resistant sock, that has been clinically proven to reduce falls

3 Why did we decide to implement? It is estimated that one third of people over 65, and half of the people over 80 years of age, will experience at least one fall per year. In Australian 38% of all hospital patient incidents involves a fall.

4 Founder of the Ruby Red Socks Falls Prevention Program The Ruby Red Socks Falls Prevention Program was developed and implemented at St. Vincent's and Mercury Private hospital, Victoria, in In response to the success of this pilot program, and the growing issues of falls in all Australian hospitals, the FWLHS adopted and launched the Ruby Red Sock, Falls Prevention Program in December 2015.

5 Video

6 Aim of Ruby Red Socks Falls Prevention Program To help prevent falls and the severity of falls by: Ensuring that all FWLHD patients that are assessed to be a high falls risk, be supplied with a non-slip socks as an alternate, if the patient does not have, or cannot wear safe non-slip footwear Ruby red socks are a bright and visual alert to all staff, families, and visitors that the patient is at risk of falling, so that appropriate supervision and care can be taken

7 Falling may: prolong a patients hospital stay, and or recovery period Falling may cause SEVERE injury, and even death Patients at high risk of injury are: Confused and elderly Patients with Osteoporosis Patients on blood thinners such as Warfarin/Plavix

8 Common factors that can influence falls: Furniture, equipment and ward layout Deterioration in general health e.g. Delirium Change in medications including pain analgesia Whether the patient is safe to walk and carry out day to day activities of daily living.

9 Who did we educate? How did we educate them? The program was launched throughout the FWLHD in December The target focus group was ward staff, with the main focus on Medical Ward, Surgical Ward and Sub-Acute Rehabilitation, though ongoing training, awareness, and education by the FWLHD Falls Prevention Working Party members.

10 How do we educate our staff? Information for Staff The Ruby Red Socks Fall Prevention Program is a highly visible and memorable way to try and prevent our patients from falling. Ruby Red Socks: Are a visual way to remind patients they need assistance or supervision when walking Are a bright, visual warning to staff and visitors that the patient is at risk of falling, so that appropriate care can be taken. Falls Facts Falling may prolong a patient s hospital stay or recovery period. Falling may cause severe injury especially if a patient: Has a condition such as osteoporosis (a disease in which the bones become extremely weak or fragile) Takes a blood thinning agent such as Warfarin or Plavix. Furniture, equipment and ward layout. Deterioration in General health eg Delirium Change in Medications, including pain analgesia. Whether the patient is safe to walk and carry out day to day activities on their own Fall Risk Assessment All patients to have a falls risk assessment on admission or within 24 hours of admission. How to reduce the risk of falling: Patients to wear supportive flat, nonslip shoes or Ruby Red Socks. Ensure that a CALL BELL is within reach and patients are instructed in the use of same. Inform patients and carers about the risk of falls, and falls prevention strategies. cannot wear safe footwear, especially High Fall Risks and CHOPs patients. Patients are to be supplied two pairs one to wear and one to be washed. If patient has a shuffling gait, the patient may require Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy referral for further assessment. Care and Maintenance: Non slip socks are for individual patient use only. Hand wash non slip socks in warm water using a mild detergent. Air dry out of direct sunlight. Replace the Non Slip Socks when the tread on the sole is peeling or wearing off Acknowledgement: St Vincent s Private Hospital Common factors that can influence a fall: Criteria for patients to wear Ruby Red Socks: Non slip socks to be offered as an alternative if patient does not or

11 How do we educate our patients?

12 How do we inform our community? Promotional and awareness foyer days Media coverage of planned events Displays on quality boards and information screens Ruby Red Sock Patient information Brochures Education and information was attended at the: - Dementia and Carer group - Carer support group at the HACC centre

13 Ruby Red Socks, Falls Prevention, awareness day (even Santa prefers red socks)

14 Ongoing community engagement (Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation 2016)

15 BHBH Kiosk Involvement As always the local Broken Hill Hospital Kiosk has been very supportive: They have commenced selling the socks for carers and patients to purchase. This has meant that they are available at the hospital, making them easy and accessible at a reasonable price for patients and family to access

16 How are we travelling? Implementation December 2015

17 What's next 2017 two foyer promotional awareness days Ongoing education and awareness throughout hospital of both staff and patients Ongoing education and awareness throughout the community and district Auditing of program

18 New patient promotional material.

19 STAY ON YOUR FEET Stephen Bradbury Won Olympic Gold by simply Staying on his Feet This program is helping patients stay on their feet for optimal recovery

20 Questions?