Fall Prevention Strategies in a Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
Abstract number :
1.053
Submission category :
1. Basic Mechanisms / 1D. Mechanisms of Therapeutic Interventions
Year :
2025
Submission ID :
306
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/6/2025 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Authors :
Presenting Author: Paige Henderson, BSN, RN – Childrens Health
Maida Rios, BSN, RN, CPN – Children's Health
Bailey Cochrum, MSN, RN, CPN – Children's Health
Rationale: Rationale: In 2023, our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit had an increased number of falls with injury. We had a total of 8 falls and 5 falls with injury, which was an increase of 2 from the previous year. Patients with epilepsy face an increased risk of falls due to seizures. In our EMU, patients are admitted to characterize new events, wean off medications, and to begin presurgical work up to find the origin of the seizure. These patients go through various methods to capture seizures as well as weaning them off their medications. This puts these patients at an increased risk for falls.
Methods: Methods: A workgroup consisting of bedside nurses, clinical nurse specialist, advanced practice provider, and unit leadership was developed to research what fall prevention strategies other Epilepsy Monitoring Units were utilizing to keep their patients safe. Using the IOWA model of Evidence-Based Practice, we made the decision to develop additional education for patients and families in relation to seizures and falls. This education was sent out prior to the patient being admitted, placed in the rooms upon admission, and explained by the bedside nurse throughout the admission. In addition, we added visual, “Call Don’t Fall” signage and ceiling tiles with the verbiage in both English and Spanish to each room on the unit.
Results: Results: For the entire year of 2024, we had a total of 6 falls with just 1 fall with injury in our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. We kept track of the education being received and understood by families with weekly audits by our leadership team. In our weekly audits, six specific questions regarding falls education were asked to families to assess their knowledge.
Conclusions: Conclusion: Implementing targeted education on fall risks and prevention strategies for patients and their families significantly enhances patient safety in the Epilepsy Monitoring Units. By increasing awareness and understanding of the factors that contribute to falls, patients and caregivers are better equipped to take proactive measures to prevent them. This educational approach has been shown to reduce the incidence of falls and related injuries, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and a safer hospital environment for individuals with epilepsy. Introducing it prior to admission and reinforcing it during admission plays a key role.
Funding: N/A
Basic Mechanisms