Preventing falls and harm from falling Overview of what is required Suggested approach Examples of evidence Use the data and information collected from Examples of improvement activities that have falls prevention and harm minimisation plans to been implemented and evaluated. implement strategies to improve their Memos, newsletters or other communication effectiveness in reducing incidence of falls. material developed for workforce and Communicate changes to the falls management consumers. system to the workforce and ensure they are aware of and trained in new policies, procedures and/or protocols. 10.8 Patients at risk of falling are referred to appropriate services, where available, as part of the discharge process 10.8.1 Discharge planning includes referral to appropriate services, where available This action relates to the need to consider falls Establish relationships with external service A log of external service providers to which your providers to identify services that can be risks when services cease and care is community health service regularly refers. accessed by consumers when services cease transferred. Formal contractual arrangement or or care is transferred. memorandum of understanding between Maintain a log of services to which your external service providers and your community community health service can refer consumers health service. for follow up. Standardised referral documents, forms or Implement formal referral arrangements or templates. memoranda of understanding with external Feedback from the workforce and external service providers to whom you regularly refer. service providers on the referral organisation’s Work with referring clinicians to develop and clinical handover processes. standardised referral documents, forms or Audit of consumer clinical records shows that templates. Referral documentation to the falls risk is identified in the service cessation general practitioner (or other provider) should plan and includes referrals to: detail falls risks identified and falls experienced specialist clinicians such as geriatricians, during the episode of care and actions taken. ophthalmologists The falls management system should include continence consultants or nurses criteria for referral of consumers to other service allied health professionals such as providers. physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, dieticians or optometrists general practitioners.
Preventing falls and harm from falling Overview of what is required Suggested approach Examples of evidence Use the data and information collected from falls prevention and harm minimisation plans to implement strategies to improve their effectiveness in reducing incidence of falls. Communicate changes to the falls management system to the workforce and ensure they are aware of and trained in new policies, procedures and/or protocols. Examples of improvement activities that have been implemented and evaluated. Memos, newsletters or other communication material developed for workforce and consumers. 10.8 Patients at risk of falling are referred to appropriate services, where available, as part of the discharge process 10.8.1 Discharge planning includes referral to appropriate services, where available This action relates to the need to consider falls risks when services cease and care is transferred. Establish relationships with external service providers to identify services that can be accessed by consumers when services cease or care is transferred. Maintain a log of services to which your community health service can refer consumers for follow up. Implement formal referral arrangements or memoranda of understanding with external service providers to whom you regularly refer. Work with referring clinicians to develop standardised referral documents, forms or templates. Referral documentation to the general practitioner (or other provider) should detail falls risks identified and falls experienced during the episode of care and actions taken. The falls management system should include criteria for referral of consumers to other service providers. A log of external service providers to which your community health service regularly refers. Formal contractual arrangement or memorandum of understanding between external service providers and your community health service. Standardised referral documents, forms or templates. Feedback from the workforce and external service providers on the organisation’s referral and clinical handover processes. Audit of consumer clinical records shows that falls risk is identified in the service cessation plan and includes referrals to: specialist clinicians such as geriatricians, ophthalmologists continence consultants or nurses allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, dieticians or optometrists general practitioners.
Guide-to-the-NSQHS-Standards-for-community-health-services-February-2016.docx