Stop Falls Initiative (2008-2009)
The Maryland Patient Safety Center's (MPSC) Stop Falls Initiative supports the Center’s aim to reduce the prevalence of falls across the continuum of care, while contributing significantly to the regional and national knowledge base on this critical topic. This project began with the creation of a Falls Work Group that included representatives from Maryland area Acute Care Centers, Long Term Care Facilities, and Home Care Organizations. This Work Group identified best practices and other current resources that to develop Roadmaps and Toolkits for each setting.
In October 2008, 12 hospitals, 11 long term care facilities, and five home health agencies agreed to pilot these Roadmaps over the next six months. The results of their work will guide refinement of the program so MPSC can offer a well-tested opportunity to the rest of the state. The MPSC believes that the implementation of the SAFE from FALLS Roadmaps will promote patient safety proactively, and more importantly, prevent patients from being seriously injured.