Baar, 1 March 2024 – In recent years, the number of patient falls in Swiss hospitals has tended to increase. Zug Cantonal Hospital is responding to this challenge by introducing a new sensor system that reduced falls by 100 per cent during a pilot phase, thereby contributing to increased patient safety.
The newly developed QUMEA system was tested in the General Surgery Department over a period of three months. This is a small sensor that is attached to the ceiling of patient rooms. It detects patients’ movements, for example when a patient intends to get out of bed. If a risk of falling is detected, the system triggers a message to the relevant carer, who gains time to go to patient to help prevent the fall.
Not a single fall since
The results of the test phase could not be more positive: Falls were reduced by 100 per cent on six beds spread across three double rooms. Whereas nine falls were recorded in the same period the previous year, not a single fall occurred during the pilot phase. In view of the general rise in the number of falls in Swiss hospitals and at Zug Cantonal Hospital in recent years, the successful implementation of QUMEA could make a significant contribution to overcoming this challenge and increasing patient safety.
Enthusiastic employees
The new system has also been met with enthusiasm by staff: “The QUMEA system allows us to set different monitoring levels and informs us when a patient is still getting up. This allows us to react more quickly and effectively prevent falls,” reports Deputy Ward Manager Martina Lüönd. Notifications about the risk of falls are sent to the responsible carer via an app, which contributes to a calmer atmosphere for patients and staff on the ward.
Overall, QUMEA has also had a positive impact on the work situation, as carers can rely on the app and feel supported in their work. The system will now be gradually rolled out across the entire hospital. The Zug Cantonal Hospital is thus not only setting a new standard in the use of innovative solutions in the healthcare sector, but is also clearly focussing on the continuous improvement of patient safety.
