Inpatient fall safeguards

This bowtie supports a structured discussion about inpatient falls. It starts with a patient who has mobility needs and distinguishes the fall itself from injuries or longer-term loss of confidence. The threat side shows why a patient might mobilise without appropriate help, while the barriers show measures that may prevent that loss of control. The consequence side focuses on assessment, escalation and rehabilitation after a fall. A care team can use the diagram to identify which controls are relevant to a particular ward and who is responsible for them. It should be adapted to local falls policy and does not replace individual clinical assessment, observation or care planning.