The Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA) presented its prestigious Quality and Patient Safety Award to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for its project that reduced the incidence of patient falls. The project, titled "Heading toward Zero: Falls Reduction – A Patient Safety Program" tied for first place in the Hospitals with Greater than 300 Beds category. These annual awards recognize Georgia health care organizations for achievement in reducing the risk of medical errors and improving patient safety and medical outcomes.

Because patient falls can lead to injuries, a performance improvement team was formed at the hospital. The team created a fall "bundle," which included signage in patient rooms; having at-risk patients wear special socks and arm bands; patient education on fall prevention; and hourly rounding for patient needs and assistance. The performance improvement team reinforced the education and monitored compliance with the program.

As a result of the education, the tools provided, and the enhanced awareness, the recorded rate of falls decreased by over 75 percent during the first quarter of 2014.

"Patient falls can cause injuries that can complicate recovery and lead to longer hospital stays," said Georgia Hospital Association Chief Medical Officer Doug Patten, M.D. "We applaud Grady for taking steps to reduce falls and for its efforts in providing the best and safest care possible to its patients."