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patient safety · fall prevention

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.

Type Diagramme en nœud papillonNorme CCPS / Energy Institute 2018Moteur schematex-bowtieMis à jour 24/09/2026
Inpatient fall safeguards
Drawing preview
La demande

“An inpatient fall bowtie: the hazard is a patient with mobility needs and the top event is a fall while mobilising. Show toileting, sedating medicine and clutter as threats, with call bells, toileting, medication, mobility and environmental barriers. Show injury, loss of confidence and longer stay with assessment, imaging, physiotherapy, care-plan, review and discharge barriers.”

Essayez ensuiteAdd poor lighting as a threatAdd a bed alarm barrier
Ce que contient ce dessin

Comprenez les décisions qui le sous-tendent.

01Top event

State the fall, not its injury.

02Threats

Separate clinical and environmental contributors.

03Prevention

Name practical bedside controls.

04Recovery

Include assessment and rehabilitation.

Use in a ward safety huddle or fall-prevention review.

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FAQ

Questions fréquentes

What is the top event in this example?

The patient falling while mobilising is the top event; injury is a consequence.

Can environmental factors be added?

Yes. Lighting, clutter and unsuitable footwear can be added as threats with their controls.

Is this a patient assessment tool?

No. It is a team-level barrier map that complements individual assessment.