MD Anderson Patient Safety Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Importance of safety during treatment at MD Anderson
• Risks associated with falls:
  • Serious injuries (broken bones, head injuries)
  • Delays in cancer treatment or potential death

Risks of Falling

• General Risks:

  • All patients at risk of falling
  • Factors include:
    • Weakness, tiredness, confusion, or dizziness from disease/treatment
    • Low blood counts increase risk
    • Side effects from treatments (chemotherapy, cellular therapy)

• Specific Conditions Increasing Risk:

  • Sedation during procedures
  • Recent surgery
  • Prolonged bed rest
  • Mobility-affecting conditions (e.g., damaged nerves)
  • Age increases fall risk
  • Low blood pressure, nutrition, and dehydration issues
  • Medications affecting balance/strength (e.g., pain meds, steroids)
  • Urgency for bathroom use can increase fall risk

Environment Factors

• Hospital Room Hazards:

  • Unfamiliar furniture and equipment
  • IV poles, uneven floors, inadequate lighting
  • Wet and cluttered floors

• Safety Protocols:

  • Use call light for assistance
  • Wait for staff support before getting up

Patient Experience: Bob Brzezinski

• Survivor's story of close calls with falls
• Importance of listening to nurses
• Overconfidence can lead to falls
• Life lessons on careful transitions (lying to sitting positions)

Fall Prevention Strategies

• General Guidelines:

  • Always call for help before getting up
  • Review fall prevention with nursing team
  • Keep personal items within reach

• Specific Safety Practices:

  • Use bedside commode for urgency
  • Avoid using IV pole for support
  • Wear non-skid shoes or socks
  • Turn on lights when moving around
  • Use a shower chair or bench
  • Wear glasses/contacts for clear vision
  • Sit while dressing/undressing

• Assistive Devices:

  • Meet with rehab team if necessary
  • Use gait belts for support when moving
  • Bed alarms and chair alarms for monitoring

Review of Key Points

• High risk of falls can lead to serious injuries
• Always call for help when needing to get up
• Use call light, bedside commode, non-skid footwear
• Activate alarms and use assistive devices as needed
• Discuss safety concerns with care team

Conclusion

• Patient safety is a top priority at MD Anderson
• Remember the motto: "Call, don't fall."
• Follow all recommendations for safety during your hospital stay.