Hourly rounding for falls prevention: a change initiative.

Fall-related injuries are a particular concern within the elderly population, and trends toward an aging demographic will keep this issue at the forefront in health care. We are challenged to develop creative strategies to significantly reduce harm and fall rates among the elderly. This article describes the process of establishing an hourly rounding initiative in a health care facility.

Improving oral care practice in long-term care.

At Deer Lodge Centre, oral care practice for adult dependent patients often included the use of sponge swabs and liquid mouth rinse, but the facility had no formal policy outlining best practice. The authors sought to develop such a policy by answering two main questions: Are sponge swabs effective in cleaning the oral cavity? What oral care is required for individuals with dysphagia and those who depend on others for oral care? After a review of the literature for pertinent guidance, a new protocol for oral care, based on tooth brushing and use of antibacterial gel, was implemented for one care unit. Patients showed improvements in oral health, specifically reductions in tartar, swollen and bleeding gums, ulcerations, debris and severe halitosis.