How Arvika reduced fall accidents by 60 per cent

Arvika local authority is located in Varmland, in western Sweden. With a history of timber rafting, ironworks, spinning and tobacco production, Arvika has undergone several transformations over the years.

Today, the development team in the local authority's health and elderly care services have become known for being at the forefront of the use of care technology. Every week, a stakeholder (often another local authority) gets in touch and wants to know: "How did you do it?"

"It is true that we have seen a 60% reduction in the number of falls in our special care homes since we started using RoomMate in combination with a digital first approach," says Kristin Norrgard, Project Manager in health and social care in Arvika.

But the figure showing the number of reduced cases fluctuates over time, for natural reasons.

"If we have two or three residents in our homes who fall frequently, then our deviation statistics are affected. But the most important thing is the trend and the result, that we actually prevent more falls. And quite significantly," says Anders Amberg, IT Strategist in health and social care in Arvika.

Experienced that sensors can relieve the workload

As early as 2018, Arvika local authority saw the need to upgrade its care technology. At that time, they used more traditional alarm systems, which require the residents to push the alarm themselves in the event of a fall. Something that we now know often fails.

"The resident could previously be lying on the floor for a long time before the accident was discovered. Something that, thanks to the new way of working, does not happen today, says Kristin Norrgard.

She continues:

"We compared several solutions but realised early on that the technology with sensor-based systems was something we wanted to invest in. The choice fell on a solution that involves a digital-first approach with digital supervisions, where sensors (RoomMate) detect and alert to various situations inside the resident's apartments.

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Individually activation of the alarms

The activation of the alarms is set individually for each resident's needs. The sensor collects data that can be used to make faster and more accurate decisions about care.

This solution makes close monitoring possible, without compromising the privacy of the resident.

Kristin Norrgard outside the special care home Gunnebo in Arvika. Photo: Ann Viklund Sjoberg

Significant improvements after two weeks

The first pilot was carried out in 2021 at Gunnebo, a special care home in Arvika, where the technology quickly showed its effectiveness. After just two weeks, care teams noticed significant improvements.

"The care teams at night quickly became enthusiastic, as did the care teams at day. After two weeks, most of them were used to a digital first approach, which means that the care teams first check their mobile phones to see which alarm has the highest priority," says Kristin Norrgard.

She explains:

"Say there are several alarms going off at the same time at night. By first checking the mobile phone, the care teams can quickly determine which alarms are urgent and whether something was a false alarm, where you should not go in and disturb a person who is sleeping. The care teams report that their workday has become less stressful. In addition, the residents often get an undisturbed night's rest," says Kristin Norrgard.

Today, RoomMate is available in all special care homes in Arvika; a total of 263 active units. In these care homes, about 320 care employees work, and all  of them use a digital first approach.

Data and analysis lead to more accurate decisions

The next step for Arvika local authority is to use the data presented in an activity overview in a more structured way, in all resident homes.

"The activity overview allows us to see patterns faster and we can work more proactively. If for three days in a row a resident has woken up at 4 a.m. to visit the toilet, we can be one step ahead and arrive five minutes earlier to help. This reduces the risk of falls," says Kristin Norrgard.

Data and insights for more proactive care

Part of Arvika's success is that they pay close attention to coaching, support and training, as well as ensuring that the systems are used correctly and that knowledge is transferred between employees.

"This fall we will dive deeper into our data and also push for the daily activity function, so everyone understands how to use it," says Anders Amberg.

Anders emphasises that the project, which includes "integrating technology to provide better care for our elderly", is far from over:

"The project is not finished just because technology has been introduced in all homes. Designing better care with care technology is an ongoing process.

Kristin Norrgard together with Unit Manager Ann Viklund Sjoberg and resident Ingrid Johansson. Photo: Tina Karlsson

Striving for even simpler interfaces

Kristin Norrgard nods and continues:

"We would prefer to work with a single supplier of care technology. Then our everyday life would be even easier. Sensio's system can visualise valuable data from resident's activities. But our care teams still need to use a second app for locks and a third to unlock medicine cabinets.

And since Arvika local authority is visionary, change-oriented and competent in setting requirements, it probably won't be long before that idea becomes a reality too.

FACTS

1. Prioritise digital first.
   Using digital tools and care technology as a first step in the care process can reduce stress for care teams and increase safety for residents. In Arvika, this approach has contributed to a significant reduction in falls.
   
   
2. Use data proactively.
   Use data collected from sensors and other digital systems to identify patterns and make better, more proactive decisions. This can significantly improve both health and social care.
   
   
3. Train and support care teams.
   Continuous coaching and training of the care teams ensures that technology is used correctly and that knowledge is shared within the organisation. This has been a key to success in Arvika.
   
   
4. Reduce the number of systems and apps.
   Reduce the number of systems and apps staff need to use by working with technology providers to integrate solutions. Arvika has identified that this could further simplify their work.
   
   
5. Choose your project team carefully. 
   Ensure that your project team consists of key people with the relevant experience and skills to effectively implement and utilise care technology. This is crucial for driving change and achieving success.