Evaluating the Humpty Dumpty Fall Scale: An International, Multisite Study

The revised Humpty Dumpty Fall Scale: An update to improve tool performance and predictive validity

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify potential modifications to the Humpty Dumpty Fall Scale (HDFS) in order to enhance the accuracy of fall prediction in the pediatric population, thus contributing to the safest possible environment for the hospitalized child.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A secondary analysis of data collected by Gonzalez et al. (2020), including a total of 2428 patients, was conducted for this study. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between each parameter of the HDFS (e.g., age, gender, diagnosis, cognitive impairments, environmental factors, response to surgery/sedation/anesthesia, and medication usage) and the outcome of fall status.

RESULTS

After reviewing associations between HDFS parameters and fall risk, neither gender nor medication use were found to be associated with fall risk. These two parameters were removed from the scoring algorithms, and the HDFS was modified to a minimum score of 5 and maximum score of 20, with a score of 12 or above indicative of high risk of fall. The modified scale demonstrated a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 57%.

CONCLUSIONS

These revisions are anticipated to help support clinical practice and improve fall prevention, thus supporting a safer pediatric environment for the hospitalized child.

Risk management: implementation of a clinical protocol for the prevention and management of pediatric falls

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the process of elaboration and implementation of a protocol for the prevention and management of pediatric falls. Method This was an actionresearch developed at a public hospital in Southeast Brazil with 10 members of the multidisciplinary team from the pediatrics, maternity, neonatal intensive care sectors, and the patient safety center. To elaborate the protocol, literature review, three meetings with the group, and two rounds ofonline correction were carried out. Online training was carried out for all professionals and then the use of the protocol was started at the sectors. Results A pediatric fall prevention protocol was implemented. Educational materials were developed and the Humpty Dumpty Falls Scale was chosen to assess the risk of falling. Conclusion The process was conducted in a collective and participatory way. The protocol and the educational materials guide and standardize behavior based on the best evidence and involve users, family members and professionals in the management of the risk of falling.

Gestão de riscos: implantação de protocolo clínico de prevenção e manejo de quedas pediátricas

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever o processo de elaboração e implantação de um protocolo de prevenção e manejo de quedas pediátricas. Método Pesquisa-ação desenvolvida em um hospital público do Sudeste do Brasil, com 10 membros da equipe multidisciplinar dos setores de pediatria, maternidade, terapia intensiva neonatal, e do núcleo de segurança do paciente. Para elaborar o protocolo realizou-se revisão de literatura, três encontros com o grupo e duas rodadas de correção online. Foi realizado treinamento online para todos os profissionais e, depois, iniciado o uso do protocolo nos setores. Resultados Implementado protocolo de prevenção de quedas pediátricas. Definiu-se a escala Humpty Dumpty Falls Scale para avaliação do risco e foram elaborados materiais educativos. Conclusão O processo foi realizado de forma coletiva e participativa. O protocolo e os materiais educativos orientam e padronizam as condutas baseadas nas melhores evidências e envolvem usuários, familiares e profissionais na gestão do risco de queda.