ProAssurance Risk Management

Ambulatory Fall Prevention

Ambulatory Fall Prevention video, presented by Wendy Alderman, senior risk management consultant at Pro Assurance, highlights that falls remain a leading patient‑safety issue in outpatient settings such as medical offices, surgery centers, imaging and mental‑health clinics. CDC data shows unintentional falls top non‑fatal emergency department visits and cause most traumatic brain injuries in the United States. The presenter outlines a step‑by‑step risk‑reduction framework: assess the practice for slip‑and‑trip hazards, clear clutter, eliminate rolling chairs, install handrails, and provide walkers or wheelchairs for patients with balance, pain, medication or vision challenges. Post‑procedure monitoring of vital signs, especially after venipuncture or injections, helps detect vasovagal reactions, while arranging family accompaniment for discharge further reduces risk. Alderman emphasizes staff education and rapid response protocols, noting that any fall should trigger immediate injury assessment, documentation, and, if needed, ambulance transport. She references the CDC’s STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) initiative as a resource for older‑adult fall prevention, urging practices to adopt its guidelines. For ambulatory providers, implementing these measures can lower liability exposure, improve patient outcomes, and align with regulatory expectations. Proactive fall prevention also enhances clinic reputation and can reduce costly emergency visits, underscoring its strategic importance for health‑care operations.