Large Magnet-Accredited Health System in Illinois Enhanced Patient Safety with a Wireless Fall Prevention System
In the ongoing pursuit of patient safety and quality care, a large Magnet-accredited health system in Illinois has made a significant advancement in fall prevention. By transitioning from a traditional wired fall prevention system to a more innovative wireless solution, this health system has set a new standard in reducing fall risks and improving the overall patient experience.
Here’s how this new wireless fall prevention system is reshaping patient care:
Mitigating Human Error
The wireless fall prevention system has proven highly effective in reducing the human errors common with wired setups. With the previous system, staff often developed workarounds, leading to incomplete or incorrect chair alarm settings. The wireless system now greatly reduces these errors, helping ensure each setup is accurate and effective.
Simplified Setup for Greater Reliability
Designed for ease, the wireless system requires minimal interaction from staff after initial setup. Once paired, the device remains reliably in place, reducing chances for setup errors and contributing to a safer patient environment. “Staff could interact with a wired device ten times a day,” noted a veteran nurse. Thanks to the wireless technology, “now you’ve got a one-and-done.”
Real-Time Alerts for Faster Response
The wireless system’s real-time alerts enable prompt responses to patient movements that indicate fall risks. Unlike the wired system, which requires manual connection and disconnection of wired pressure pads, the wireless system eliminates this extra step, allowing for consistent monitoring and faster response times.
Enhanced Patient Satisfaction and Comfort
With the wireless system, healthcare staff have the flexibility to arrange the room to suit each patient’s comfort needs. Patients enjoy a less restrictive, more comfortable space without being tethered by wires, enhancing their overall experience and satisfaction with care.
Data-Driven Decisions for Continuous Improvement
A recent trial comparing the wired and wireless systems yielded valuable insights, revealing a notable reduction in potential harm incidents with the wireless setup. This evidence-based approach allows the health system to refine fall prevention strategies, ensuring that patient safety remains a top priority.
Ongoing Quality Monitoring by Expert Teams
Healthcare teams within this Magnet-accredited health system regularly monitor fall data and analyze trends to maintain the effectiveness of fall prevention measures. The wireless system’s reliability supports streamlined workflows and higher standards of patient care.
Trial Data Summary: Demonstrated Success in Fall Prevention
The trial data underscores the positive impact of the wireless system on fall prevention:
Reduced Error Rates: A pretrial audit of the hospital system found that as many as 18% of patients monitored with a wired system were not properly connected.
In the trial unit using the wireless system, only two potential alarm failures were reported out of nearly 1,000 uses, compared to the control unit with the wired system, which documented over 166 improper chair alarm setups, reducing disconnection related setups by 98.8%.
Lower Potential Harm Incidents: The wireless system significantly reduced potential harm events by providing real-time alerts and a simplified setup that minimizes the chance of human error.
A Model for Patient Safety
This Illinois-based health system’s adoption of a wireless fall prevention system highlights the benefits of innovation in patient safety. With measurable improvements in setup reliability, patient satisfaction and response times, this wireless solution serves as a powerful tool for reducing fall risks.
This success story illustrates the importance of data-driven decision making and continuous quality monitoring in healthcare. It demonstrates how smart, efficient solutions lead to safer, more positive patient experiences, with this Magnet-accredited health system leading the way in fall prevention—one innovation at a time.
Help Your Staff and Protect Your Patients With Our Innovative Wireless System
As this large hospital study showed, advanced technologies like the Parasol Wireless Patient Fall Prevention System can better serve and protect nursing staff and their patients. At the study’s onset, the veteran nurse stated, “Our goal was to decrease the inappropriate use of the current wired device and take human error out of the equation.” After seeing the nearly 99% reduction of human error and Parasol’s myriad other benefits, she stated, “I would never go back to a wired system.”
To learn more about our patient-safety innovations, please contact us.
