Background:
Falls are one of the most significant risks in inpatient care, both clinically and financially. according to NICE, a fractured neck of femur can cost upwards of £26,000 per case - excluding the psychological impact on patients and staff. Within the South Eastern Trust, 645 inpatient falls were recorded between January and March 2024. The team at Thompson House recognised the urgent need for a solution that would reduce falls, improve staff morale, and free up valuable clinical time.
Aim:
Thompson House launched a three-month pilot of assistive technology with the goal of reducing falls by more than 25%.
Approach:
The Acute Falls Team and Thompson House staff trialled two different assistive technologies as part of the pilot. The first system, which relied on wired sensors that only alerted within the patient’s room, proved challenging to manage and did not reduce falls. Staff feedback highlighted that the design was cumbersome, time-intensive, and disruptive to care. The system was subsequently removed.
Ramblegard’s wireless sensor system was then introduced alongside updated staff education and risk assessment practices. Its wireless design and central alerting functionality integrated seamlessly into ward operations, boosting staff confidence, collaboration, and efficiency.
Results:
- Falls eliminated for one high-risk patient who previously accounted for over 30% of incidents.
- Overall falls significantly reduced across the ward during the Ramblegard pilot.
- Staff efficiency improved - freeing time for other essential clinical duties.
- Morale and confidence increased, with staff reporting stronger collaboration and trust in the technology.
Direct Comparison:
| Ramblegard Wireless System | Ramblegard Competitor Wired System |
|---|
| Wireless sensors - no trip hazzard | Wired sensors |
| Central-alerting system | Room-only alerts |
| Falls eliminated for high-risk patient, overall reduction achieved | Falls increased during trial |
| Staff reported higher confidence and better collaboration | Staff found system disruptive and time-consuming |
| Technology adopted with plans for expansion across wards | Technology withdrawn |
Impact:
This pilot demonstrated that Ramblegard delivers real-world results in fall prevention, strengthening workforce resilience while reducing patient harm. The comparison highlighted the clear superiority of Ramblegard’s wireless technology over traditional approaches.
Next Steps:
Based on the success at Thompson House, the South Eastern Trust is now exploring additional pilots across more acute wards, building a business case for wider NHS adoption of Ramblegard, using the lessons learned to inspire best practive in fall prevention.
Conclusion:
Ramblegard has proven to be a cost-effective, reliable, and staff-empowering solution that directly reduces patient harm while supporting workforce wellbeing. With demonstrated success at Thompson House, Ramblegard is positioned as the product of choice for NHS fall-prevention strategies.