Capitol Medical Center has been recognized at the prestigious Healthcare Asia Awards 2026, earning the Patient Safety Initiative of the Year – Philippines for its project, “Lean On Me: Supporting Safety, Preventing Falls.”
This recognition highlights the hospital’s strong commitment to patient safety and continuous quality improvement. The initiative was designed to address and reduce fall incidents in the General Nursing Unit (GNU) through a structured and data-driven approach.
Between 2023 and 2024, the hospital recorded 17 fall incidents out of 10,243 admissions, equivalent to 0.17%. To address this, the Nursing Service Division collaborated with the Continuous Quality Improvement Department and the Business Development and Marketing Department to analyze root causes. Key gaps were identified, including limited patient education during admission, inconsistent use of fall risk assessments, lack of visible fall risk indicators, and the need for enhanced staff training.
In response, targeted interventions were implemented over a two-month period. Educational pamphlets were distributed to patients upon admission, and visual materials on fall prevention were placed in patient rooms. The hospital also strengthened its assessment protocols by integrating the Morse Fall Scale into its nursing admission process. Additionally, nursing staff underwent comprehensive training on risk identification, scoring, and appropriate interventions. To further improve safety, color-coded signage and door markers were introduced to easily identify high-risk patients.
A formal evaluation conducted from January to June 2025, covering 3,777 admissions, showed significant improvement. The fall incidence rate dropped to 0.05%, representing a 70.6% reduction from the baseline. Alongside improved patient outcomes, the hospital also observed a decrease in fall-related management costs, demonstrating both clinical and operational benefits.
The “Lean On Me” initiative also established standardized procedures, including structured admission briefings, regular fall risk reassessment during nursing shifts, and improved documentation practices. These measures are now embedded into daily clinical workflows, ensuring sustained monitoring and accountability.
The Healthcare Asia Awards celebrates outstanding hospitals across the region that set new benchmarks in healthcare excellence. Capitol Medical Center’s recognition affirms its dedication to delivering safe, high-quality care and its continued efforts to innovate for every patient’s well-being.
This achievement is a testament to the teamwork, diligence, and passion of the entire CMC community in prioritizing patient safety.
