Applying the 5Whys technique to the inpatient setting, it is possible to analyze the major causes of falls and determine possible ways to avoid them:
The given template helps to understand the root causes of the problem. Thus, the high number of falls in the inpatient setting is linked to the increased risks of falls. They are associated with several factors, such as side effects of various medications and patients’ conditions influencing their coordination and movement. Thus, poor risk assessment and knowledge of the leading causes of falls might be viewed as the leading factors promoting the number of falls in the inpatient setting. It also means that necessary equipment and resources are not used to reduce incidence rates and guarantee safety to all clients. At the same time, the inability to use available evaluation tools comes from the lack of training and weak compliance culture.
Altogether, the 5Whys technique helps to conclude that falls in the inpatient setting occur due to the inability to create a safe environment by using available measures and equipment. Patients should be provided with specific tools to ensure they can handle the side effects of medications they use or manage their complex conditions and avoid being injured. It means that health workers should be ready to evaluate and assess previous falls and reduce the risk of new cases by using this data. It also demands better compliance culture as there are strict measures regulating approaches to organizing inpatient settings. Staff should be trained to consider these factors and possess the desired knowledge.