Latest Sentinel Event Alert Highlights Falls Prevention Strategies

​Noting that falls are consistently among the top 10 reported sentinel events, and that elderly patients and those with identified risk factors are not the only patients who may fall in healthcare facilities, the Joint Commission has issued its latest Sentinel Event Alert highlighting strategies to raise awareness and limit the incidence of falls. Citing resources and references, the Joint Commission recommends that organizations begin by raising awareness of falls throughout the organization and establish an interdisciplinary falls prevention committee. Providers should use individualized, validated assessment tools to identify patients' risk factors and develop individualized care plans based on those risks that are specific to patients, populations, or care settings.