6-PACK programme to decrease fall injuries in acute hospitals: cluster randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the 6-PACK programme on falls and fall injuries in acute wards.

Design

Cluster randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Six Australian hospitals.

Participants

All patients admitted to 24 acute wards during the trial period.

Interventions

Participating wards were randomly assigned to receive either the nurse led 6-PACK programme or usual care over 12 months. The 6-PACK programme included a fall risk tool and individualised use of one or more of six interventions: "falls alert" sign, supervision of patients in the bathroom, ensuring patients' walking aids are within reach, a toileting regimen, use of a low-low bed, and use of a bed/chair alarm.

Main outcome measures

The co-primary outcomes were falls and fall injuries

SUBMITTER: Barker AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4727091 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature