Preventing falls in long-term care using patient-centered fall interventions focusing on 5Ps hourly rounding

Introduction: Falls remain a critical concern in long-term care facilities, particularly among older adults with medical and cognitive needs. At the Long-Term Care Facility in New Jersey, high fall rates necessitated a more structured, evidence-based intervention.Methods: The 5Ps Hourly Rounding Protocol, centered on Pain, Positioning, Potty, Possessions, and Protection, was implemented to proactively address resident needs through regular, purposeful staff engagement. Staff received targeted training, and the protocol was deployed on the first floor of the facility.Results: Following implementation, the number of fall incidents decreased by 50%, from six to three events. This noticeable reduction shows a strong correlation between the 5Ps and improved resident safety.Discussion: Despite prior conventional fall prevention strategies, the facility continued to experience frequent incidents resulting in injury, emotional distress, and increased operational burden. The success of the 5Ps Protocol shows the importance of proactive, personalized care in promoting a culture of accountability, improving the quality of care, and facilitating regulatory compliance in long-term care settings.