Speakers
Description
Purpose/Objectives-
Falls are one of the leading reported patient safety incidents for patients receiving care and identified as a key priority for keeping patients safe. The fall prevention strategy was enhanced through a focus on aligning to evidence-based practice through the RNAO Best Practice Guideline (BPG) for Fall Prevention, addressing gaps in meeting the standards outlined in the Required Organizational Practices and improving overall patient safety outcomes.
Methods/Components-
An interprofessional Fall Prevention Working Group, including patients, was established to execute on a comprehensive fall prevention strategy. Interventions implemented included: 1) an evidence-based falls risk screening tool derived from the RNAO BPG for Fall Prevention in the Electronic Medical Record, 2) visual identification of patients at risk for falls, 3) revised policy and procedure and 4) education for staff and patients.
The new fall prevention education program was delivered via iLearn, and included orientation for clinical and non-clinical staff. Additional educational resources for staff were made available, and teaching tools were provided to Clinical Educators.
Outcomes/Stages of Development-
Preliminary data from chart audits indicates that screening tools and interventions have positively influenced practice, leading to improved patient outcomes. Specifically, there has been a reduction in the rate of injurious falls from 1.8% in August 2022 to 0.8% in August 2023, and 2.6% in March 2023 to 1.5% in March 2024, demonstrating a consistent decrease since implementation. Nursing compliance with documentation assessments using RNAO BPG Fall Risk Assessment Tool has improved by 67%. Further, staff have provided positive feedback regarding the effectiveness of interventions, education and implementation strategies.
Conclusion/Implications-
Early data suggests widespread adoption of best practices and improved patient outcomes. The interventions implemented are essential elements of a a successful falls prevention strategy and would be important to share with other organizations at the symposium to spread advanced fall prevention practices.
Keywords
Improved Patient Outcome in Fall Prevention
What RNAO BPG or tool/toolkit is this work related to:
RNAO Best Practice Guideline (BPG) for Fall Prevention
Author(s) Credentials and Title
Melissa Holt RN, BScN, MN
Barb McGovern RN, MN, ENC
Wendy Campbell BScPT, MEd
| Organization Name | Trillium Health Partners |
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