A retrospective analysis of ‘slip-and-fall’ injuries among inpatients at a tertiary care hospital, Karnataka, India

Introduction: The reported cases of ‘Slip-And-Fall’ (SAF) injuries among inpatients are increasing at an alarming rate, causing increased morbidity and mortality, productivity losses, financial losses, and raising questions about the healthcare facility’s capacity to provide safe patient care. Moreover, the lack of studies on SAF injuries in Indian healthcare settings impedes attempts to identify and prevent such inpatient injuries in the future. Aim: The aim of the present study was to the documented causes of SAF injuries and identify the contextual factors related to the injuries. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis (data from July 31^st 2000 to July 31^st 2015) of 61 case reports was carried out. A checklist was developed according to the objectives which consisted the time, outcome, area and the root cause of SAF injuries in the study setting. Results: In the present study, out of 61, 28 cases were reported to have occurred in the wards, 21 cases occurred between 7:30 pm and 7:30 am, no noticeable injuries were the outcome in 36% of the reported cases. Conclusion: The present study concludes by providing recommendations for reducing SAF injuries in hospitals, and for improving the quality of reporting in SAF injury reports.