Preventing inpatient falls using an evidence-based intervention

Implementing an evidence-based fall prevention program reduced falls and potentially saved $22 million at 33 medical and surgical units in 8 hospitals, finds an AHRQ-supported economic evaluation. Researchers analyzing EHR data for 900,635 patients ascertained that the average total cost of a fall was $62,521 and level of injury was not a significant predictor of increased costs. After implementing the Fall TIPS Program, there was a nearly 20% reduction in falls and injuries at the study sites and calculated savings of $14,600 in net avoided costs per 1,000 patient days.