Conquering the Occurrence of Falls in Ambulatory Setting

Authors

Jamie Orozco, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
Kathleen Bugarin, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Lourdes Lujan, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
Wendy Butler, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
Laura Valdez, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow
Dave Calubaquib, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterFollow

Files

Description

The poster highlights the significant value and impact of the educational and training initiatives implemented as part of a fall prevention program at the MD Anderson Woodlands location. A core component of this initiative was comprehensive staff training for Patient Ambassadors, which equipped them with the knowledge to educate patients about fall risks and prevention measures. This training played a crucial role in reducing fall incidents by nearly 30%, directly contributing to improved patient safety and well-being. In addition to staff and patient education, the program incorporated technological tools such as EPIC (MyChart) to send appointment reminders that included essential information about assistive devices, further supporting fall prevention efforts. The coordination of Patient Transport services was another vital aspect, ensuring that patients were safely moved within the facility and reducing the risk of falls. The educational efforts were complemented by environmental modifications and regular communication and feedback to staff and stakeholders, ensuring the fall prevention strategies were continuously monitored and refined. These combined educational and preventive measures not only led to a 30% reduction in fall occurrences but also resulted in significant financial savings by reducing the costs associated with fall-related incidents, which typically range from $3,000 to $5,000 per event. Additionally, the initiative enhanced operational efficiency, reduced strain on emergency medical services, and contributed to overall business growth. By fostering a culture of safety and emphasizing the importance of education and training, the program demonstrated how these components can lead to substantial improvements in healthcare outcomes.

Publication Date

2025

Recommended Citation

Orozco, Jamie; Bugarin, Kathleen; Lujan, Lourdes; Butler, Wendy; Valdez, Laura; and Calubaquib, Dave, "Conquering the Occurrence of Falls in Ambulatory Setting" (2025). 2025 Education Week Poster Showcase. 6.
https://openworks.mdanderson.org/edwk25/6