Obstetric Fall Prevention

This class is very interesting and challenge in many ways so far. Fall prevention is the last thing that comes to mind in relation to obstetric population. The reason being that laboring and fetus is closely monitoring during and after birth. In my research on the discussion, it was noted that fall prevention in obstetric is not well documented and that tool assessment use to assess for fall risk in other health care setting, does not work effectively in the obstetric setting. Fall risk tools are typically designed to predict anticipated physiological falls that represent 34% to 78%of falls that occur in the acute care( Currie, 2008).
There are many factors that contribute to fall or increase the risks for falls in obstetric patients. For example, hypotension, maternal sedation, early ambulation, fatigue, hemorrhage. According to Lockwood and Anderson, woman are at risk for falling following veginal or cesarean birth, especially, during the initial attempts at ambulation. The are some intervention
For instance, the patient should use the call light when needing to go the restroom, this especially important for several hour postpartum in case where epidural was used. It may take some time to regain full function of the lower extremities. A Call for a helping Hand was created by a fall prevention team, the result cut fall by 50%, with the help of staff and patient. The most important thing noted is making the patient aware of the risk of fall that exist and educated the patient/family, and all staff that will provide care to the patient.
Call for a Helping Hand Patient Letter
Figure A: care a helping hand patient letter
TO PREVENT A FALL, PLEASE CALL
New mothers are at risk for falling, even though they may feel strong and steady.
What do YOU need to do?
1) Wear the purple arm band until your nurse removes it.
This will alert all staff that you are at risk for