What is a typical strategy to prevent falls in hospitalized patients?

Conducting fall risk assessments on admission is a critical strategy in preventing falls among hospitalized patients. This process involves evaluating individual patients for specific risk factors that may contribute to falls, such as age, medical history, medication, and physical ability. By identifying patients who are at higher risk, healthcare providers can implement targeted interventions to enhance patient safety.

For example, a patient found to be at a higher risk for falls may be placed in a more closely monitored area, provided with mobility aids, or given extra assistance when moving around. This proactive approach creates an environment where precautions are taken before an incident occurs, significantly reducing the chances of falls during the hospital stay.

In contrast, encouraging patients to ambulate freely does not take into account their individual risk and can potentially increase the risk of falls, especially if they're unsteady. Limiting the use of mobility aids may also worsen a patient's stability issues. Lastly, restricting visitors to the patient room may not directly relate to fall prevention and might instead lead to feelings of isolation that could impact a patient's well-being and willingness to engage in mobility, thereby inadvertently increasing fall risks.