The objective of reducing the rate of falls and pressure ulcers during hospitalization involves implementing several initiatives, including regular risk assessments throughout the hospital stay and introducing adequate preventive measures, such as special mattresses and low beds. Unfortunately, not all falls and pressure ulcers can be prevented. In these cases, patients should receive appropriate care from a multidisciplinary team in order to minimize their impact.
A pressure ulcer is a “localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, due to reduced blood flow to the area.” It is the result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear.
Pressure ulcers affect a patient’s quality of life and can cause painful discomfort alongside mental and physical suffering as well as reduced functional abilities.
Hôpital de La Tour encourages its staff to routinely report all falls and pressure ulcers, no matter how minor. A working group was formed to review all cases and propose tangible improvements.
Since 2012, Hôpital de La Tour has also taken part in the nationwide quality review on the prevalence of falls and pressure ulcers developed by the ANQ. Figures refer to a specific day and do not constitute a full summary because random variations are possible.
Since the national survey on the rate of falls and pressure ulcers did not take place in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, the 3.5% rate from 2019 is the most recent available rate.
Since the national survey on the rate of falls and pressure ulcers did not take place in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, the 3.3% rate from 2019 is the most recent available rate.