Implementing a Fall Prevention Education Program in Long-Term Care

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Angela N. Jennings (Creator)

Institution

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )

Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Advisor

Rebecca Kalinoski

Abstract: Background: Providing a safe environment helps older adults to have a better quality of life.When older adults fall, they are at increased risk of another fall. Older adults on locked unitsexperience higher fall rates than patient on nonlocked units. The Skilled Nursing Facility serving as the setting for this project had fall rates higher than the national average in 2022. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to educate nursing staff on effective ways to prevent falls and reduce injuries at the facility to foster a healthy, safe, injury reduced environment. Methods: This DNP project had a quality design with a Plan, Do, Study, Act, (PDSA) approach. The project was carried out by implementing hourly rounding sheets. Nursing staff were given a six question survey before implementing the sheet. They were then given education on how to prevent falls and the importance of hourly rounding. Results: Small sample size data was not statistically significant to show hourly rounding and education decreased fall rates. During the implementation of hourly rounding there were no falls on the unit. Recommendations and Conclusion: Implementation of hourly rounding for all shifts, with education, over a period of one month should provide statistically significant data. Preventing falls in a long-term care facility is more challenging with minimal staff.

Implementing a Fall Prevention Education Program in Long-Term Care
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Created on 1/12/2024
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Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2023

Keywords

fall prevention in long term care, falls, falls strategy, nursing home education, fall prevention barriers, fall education, older adults, hourly rounding

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