Date of Submission
Fall 12-4-2019
Document Type
Manuscript
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Dr. Serafin-Dickson
Second Advisor
Dr. Borges
Abstract
Falls and related injuries are becoming a massive concern for healthcare systems. Preventing falls should be the top priority for healthcare organizations. Since the risk of falling cannot be eliminated, implementing a plan that addresses fall prevention strategies can significantly reduce the number of falls. This article explores evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions in order to prevent elderly patient falls in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). The EBP research interventions, such as fall screening tools used for patient assessment, safety education classes for staff, bedside nursing communication exchange, and daily nursing leadership rounds, can have a vital effect on patient and staff safety. The fall prevention interventions were implemented in 2019 for a fall reduction project at a 120-bed SNF located in the San Francisco Bay area. The goal was to reduce fall incidents by 50% and increase safety knowledge among the staff by 50% within one year of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services state survey window. The ongoing project outcome data show dramatically reduced inpatient falls and increased safety knowledge among the staff.
Recommended Citation
Patel, Jalpa, "Reduce Patient Falls at Skilled Nursing Facility" (2019). DNP Qualifying Manuscripts. 25.
https://repository.usfca.edu/dnp_qualifying/25
