Improving call bell response times

Aim: To explore and compare call bell response times in two wards in a geriatric evaluation and management facility before and after the introduction of a suite of interventions aimed at decreasing patient falls. Method: Data on call bell response times were collected over two periods. The first were before implementation of falls prevention initiatives. Data were retrieved from the call bell system that detailed the time taken to respond to every call bell activation. A second period of data collection was conducted six months after implementation of the initiatives. Results: Prioritising call bell response and raising staff awareness improved response to patient calls. There was a slight decrease in falls although call bell activations did not decrease. Conclusion: Strong leadership is necessary from nurse managers to stress the importance of prompt call bell response. Visual surveillance of high-risk fallers is important as they are generally unable to ring for assistance when required.