This story originally appeared in the CDHB CEO Update on 13 Feb 2017. We thought it was so good, we wanted to share it.

A traffic light strategy for falls prevention at a Christchurch aged care facility has had good results and created a happier, calmer atmosphere, say the two registered nurses who created it.

The Collabor8 Lean Project, Traffic Light Strategy for Resident Mobility Assistance at Ultimate Care Bishop Selwyn, was undertaken by Maechie Panuntan and Oksana Kotlyar.

Maechie says it was a “lightbulb moment” when they came up with the idea, which grew out of a desire to minimise the number of falls and injuries, increase residents’ and staff confidence, and decrease hospital admissions.

“Before this we had a mobility chart but it was only in the bedroom. It’s impossible to memorise everyone’s mobility status and if a resident was in the lounge, staff would have to go back to the room to find out or check with an RN.”

The facility had falls prevention actions in place such as ensuring hallways and rooms are free from obstacles and that occupied beds are in a low position with the wheels locked.

The traffic light project involved re-assessing residents’ mobility and placing coloured circles (traffic light symbols) on their mobility aids and in their bedroom indicating their mobility.

The traffic lights are used in conjunction with the individual mobility chart as visual cues to remind residents, staff and visitors of the mobility assistance a resident needs. The mobility chart is updated by the primary registered nurse every three months or as needed.

Maechie and Oksana ensured they worked in partnership with residents and their families and encouraged their participation.

The project was launched four months ago and since then there has been a clear reduction in the overall falls rates at the facility. With lower rates of falls the risk for hospitalisation post fall, and any associated costs with injury, such as ambulance transfers to Christchurch Hospital’s Emergency Department, X-rays, surgery and hospital admission have also been reduced.

The scheme is easy to use, visible, and cost effective. The facility is now a happier and calmer environment because residents, staff and families are more aware of residents’ limitations and capabilities.

Residents have benefited by:

» Minimisation of falls and injuries resulting from falls

» Residents, staff and family are more aware of residents’ capability/limitations (through visual prompts of the traffic light).

» Increased social interaction

» Increased confidence

» Reduced stress

Staff have benefited because:

» They feel more confident with resident’s mobilisation

» Fewer staff injuries

» Reduced workload because of reduced falls