According to the Joint Commission, patient falls is one of the most frequent reported event, 6.3% (2010). CMS will no longer reimburse hospitals when a patient sustains injury from a fall during their stay. The hospital will have to absorb the cost from the fall thus giving the hospital a negative indicator. This will make hospitals more aware that patient safety is a priority and that there the emphasis of fall prevention. While the worst-case scenario would be the nonpayment for events that are not universally preventable could possibly reduce access to care (American Sentinel University , 2013). What if hospitals begin turning away patients that have a high risk for fall? The high risk would include the elderly, especially Alzheimer’s, stroke patients who have balance problems, or the ones that are taking certain medications that could affect them physically. As part of the health care team, all patients are welcome and should not be turned away due to high risk for
According to the Joint Commission, patient falls is one of the most frequent reported event, 6.3% (2010). CMS will no longer reimburse hospitals when a patient sustains injury from a fall during their stay. The hospital will have to absorb the cost from the fall thus giving the hospital a negative indicator. This will make hospitals more aware that patient safety is a priority and that there the emphasis of fall prevention. While the worst-case scenario would be the nonpayment for events that are not universally preventable could possibly reduce access to care (American Sentinel University , 2013). What if hospitals begin turning away patients that have a high risk for fall? The high risk would include the elderly, especially Alzheimer’s, stroke patients who have balance problems, or the ones that are taking certain medications that could affect them physically. As part of the health care team, all patients are welcome and should not be turned away due to high risk for