Fall Prevention and Injury
Reduction
High Priority Criterion
Draft for National Consultation
June 2016
QMENTUM PROGRAM
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2 | Fall Prevention and Injury Reduction – High Priority Criterion
QMENTUM PROGRAM
FALL PREVENTION AND INJURY REDUCTION
High Priority Criterion
Universal fall precautions, applicable to the setting, are identified and implemented to ensure a safe
environment that prevents falls and reduces the risk of injuries from falling.
GUIDELINES
Organizations should identify and adopt precautions for all clients, regardless of risk of falling. Safer
Healthcare Now! uses the acronym S.A.F.E. (Safe environment; Assist with mobility; Fall-risk reduction;
and Engage client and family), developed by Fraser Health, to describe the key strategies for universal
fall precautions in their Getting Started Kit (2013). The Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement
guideline (2012) also recommends the following universal interventions: familiarize the client to the
environment; keep call buttons within reach at all times; keep clients’ personal possessions within
reach; have sturdy handrails in bathrooms, rooms, and hallways; keep the bed in low position with
brakes locked; use appropriate lighting; keep floor surfaces clean and dry; clean up all spills promptly;
keep care areas uncluttered. It is important to identify precautions that align with the clinical setting and
needs of clients in that setting.
3 | Fall Prevention and Injury Reduction – High Priority Criterion