fall prevention
learn how the guardian sentry system can provide an unrivalled safety solution for you and your patients
available via NHS framework SBS/18/OA/FJA/9303/01
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just before you begin...
Have you stopped to consider what the term ‘fall management’ means and how it affects the solutions you choose for your patients? Phrases like ‘fall detection’, ‘fall prevention’ and ‘fall management’ are used interchangeably which leads many to believe they are the same thing. Whilst each has an appropriate usage given the different landscapes presented in healthcare, they are in fact very different terms. Here are some brief definitions:
Fall Detection is a reactive technology designed to automatically identify when an individual experiences a fall, typically using sensors, accelerometers, or other monitoring devices. It aims to swiftly detect a fall, especially in scenarios where the individual may be unable to seek help, such as in the case of the elderly or those with certain medical conditions. Once a fall is detected, appropriate alerts can be sent to the primary caregiver.
Fall Prevention is a combination of proactive technology and monitoring systems that reduces the risk of accidental falls. The goal of fall prevention is to stop a patient falling in the first place, thereby enhancing safety, preventing injuries, and protecting healthcare providers from costly litigation and expensive rehabilitation costs.
Fall Management is a strategy that seeks to incorporate one or both of the above. Fall management really describes the standards and policies a healthcare provider puts in place alongside their technology and staff, and this can vary greatly from organisation to organisation.
So, before you begin reading below about fall prevention, ask yourself:
"Is this the right solution for me and my patient?"
If you are seeking a focus on proactive technology and systems to protect your patients, please read on. If you are looking for a simple reactive technology solution to help you detect patient falls, please visit the ‘fall detection’ area of our website to learn more.
how does the Guardian Sentry system improve safety for your patient & your organisation?
what it is: Guardian Sentry watches over vulnerable patients by linking our unique variety of sensors to a wide range of mobile devices, pagers, nurse call systems, or management dashboards. Alarms can be sent to multiple staff and incorporates an escalation process for an additional layer of security and patient safety.
The management system is capable of generating real-time reports using data on number of alarms raised, staff response times, or any other user-defined requirements. The ability to review this data provides you with accurate information for clinical decision support and gives peace of mind to all parties that the highest level of care and safety is undertaken.
Unlike standard bed/chair exit alarms & systems which can exclude certain patients because of their physiology or existing co-morbidities, Guardian Sentry can be used for any patient, of any weight or size, on any type of mattress or support surface for any patient clinical or care application.
why it matters: The Guardian Sentry system has achieved a 43% reduction in patient falls averaged across all deployed sites as of October 2023. Alongside these results, Liverpool University Hospital statistical process control data shows a sustainable reduction in patient harm episodes.
Partner the above results with 8 years of clinical data from the NHS Northern Care Alliance and you will see that the Guardian Sentry system is making a difference to patients and improving their safety and outcomes significantly.
We look forward to a clinical paper being published by the end of 2023 which will reflect these findings and outline how there has been a sustained reduction in patient harm episodes in the UK's only single patient room hospital.
what makes the guardian sentry system different from other systems?
There are a great variety of fall detection and fall prevention products on offer to clinicians and carers, something you will no doubt be aware of in your search for an effective falls management solution. With some companies making claims of providing 'the best' or 'the safest' product, how does Guardian Sentry differ? Is it really as innovative as claimed?
innovation agreement: Approach Medical are proud to hold an Innovation Agreement with Liverpool University Hospital Foundation Trust for development of the 5th generation of the Guardian Sentry system; meaning our products are not just innovative today, but innovative for the future too.
case studies: There is currently an NHS Shared Business Service case study under consideration looking at wider implementation of our system across the NHS service. There is also a PHD Study underway with Nottingham University for a thesis in using technology to reduce patient harm and an NHS North West Innovation Group Study due shortly.
technology: The Guardian Sentry system is able to provide clinicians with 24/7, 365 day medical grade data through its combination of quality hardware and innovative software monitoring tools. By using the unique staff interface, sensors, and patient generated data, Guardian Sentry can confidently claim to be a true fall prevention system that is both innovative and tried and tested.
how does the guardian sentry system reduce harm to vulnerable patients?
As discussed in the above introduction to Fall Prevention technologies, early detection and intervention are crucial components to a successful fall prevention strategy and by using the Guardian Sentry system, every patient can receive the highest standards of care. Here are some factors to consider in using our system and how it effectively reduces harm to vulnerable patients.
fall prevention: Patient falls contribute to a significant increase in length of hospital stay, treatment costs, and rehabilitation costs. By preventing a fall occurring in the first place, harm from the fall and its associated complications are avoided completely allowing the patient to be cared for properly and treatment of the core ailment delivered effectively.
pressure ulcer prevention: By encouraging proactive care, patient movements and activities are monitored on a regular basis when using the Guardian Sentry system. It therefore plays a vital role in preventing pressure ulcers, lowering treatment costs and enhancing patient comfort instead of patients suffering from the associated risks and pain from this painful condition.
preventing moisture associated skin damage: The innovative sensor array in the Guardian Sentry system can detect moisture alerts in real time, providing you with a secondary clinical check to ensure a reduction in skin breakdown and any associated skin damage.
don't take our word for it; learn how others have already recognised the benefits of using the guardian sentry system in their own organisation
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust undertook their own research on the Guardian Sentry system as part of a Clinical Poster Presentation which was showcased at many renowned healthcare conferences. Here are some of their key highlights:
reduced falls: Guardian Sentry effectively minimises the risk of patient falls, a prevalent issue in healthcare facilities. By employing state-of-the-art technology, it detects potential fall incidents and alerts the care team in real-time, enabling swift intervention and prevention.
improved compliance: Salford Royal's study revealed a significant improvement in healthcare professionals' adherence to infection control protocols. Guardian Sentry's alert system keeps staff vigilant, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene are maintained.
enhanced patient outcomes: Clinical data demonstrates that Guardian Sentry contributes to a decrease in adverse events and complications, leading to better patient outcomes. It's a testament to its efficacy in improving overall patient care.
we can put our name to a few things when we must
MDD Class 1 Certification
Digital Technology Assessment Criteria Compliant
DCB 0129 Clinical Risk Management Compliant
UK CA/CE Marked
CyberEssentials (UK GCHQ) Certified
KPMG Approved IT Software
HMRC R&D Approved Narrative
TECS 2 NHS Framework
NHS Supply Chain Compliant
NHS Shared Business Services Approved Partner
HSJ award for patient safety 'Highly Commended'
running parallel to any product or solution comes the unavoidable question of cost; learn how investing in the Guardian Sentry system can provide you and your organisation with tangible savings.
Consider the results of a cost analysis study undertaken by NHS Shared Business Services:
human resources: Optimising resource allocation is challenging given the finite resources and budget constraints that exist within large organisations. However, using Guardian Sentry's proactive alert system reduces the need for high staff allocation numbers and constant 1:1 patient supervision. By allowing your employees to allocate their time more effectively, there are inevitable cost savings with a more efficient and productive workforce.
reduced litigation: When a patient falls in a clinical setting, the associated inquiries and litigation costs can wipe out the hard earned savings generated in other parts of your organisation. The Guardian Sentry system provides a solution to this issue by minimising episodes of patient harm whilst also providing you with access to detailed data logs generated by the system. This data trail expedites the lengthy investigations that take place when these events occur and significantly reduces potential litigation costs, ensuring that your resources are dedicated to patient care rather than legal proceedings.
conclusion: The study illustrates that the Guardian Sentry system not only provides short-term savings but also offers long-term financial benefits through its consistent improvement of patient outcomes.
Patient falls are a significant source of increased cost to any organisation. The Guardian Sentry system helps reduce fall incidents, ultimately saving on rehabilitation costs, cost of treatment, length of hospital stay, associated bed blocking costs, and expensive litigation costs. Why not contact us if you want to learn more about the savings and cost reductions our system can bring to you and your organisation?