Maree Johnson1,2, Linda Kelly3, Katica Siric4, Duong Thuy Tran5, Bronwyn Overs6. 1. School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Liverpool, NSW, Australia. 2. Centre for Applied Nursing Research, South Western Sydney Local Health District, University of Western Sydney (Affiliated with the Ingham Institute, Liverpool NSW), Liverpool, NSW, Australia. 3. Centre for Education and Workforce Development, Rozelle, NSW, Australia. 4. Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia. 5. Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia. 6. Mental Health Centre (Level 1), Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, Liverpool Hospital, Infant Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (ICAMHS) Research, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
Abstract
AIM: This study investigated the impact of an e-learning education programme for nurses on falls risk screening, falls prevention and post-falls management. BACKGROUND: Falls injury within older inpatients is a major patient safety concern. METHOD: Using a pre-post design, observation of the patient and environment and patient health care record audits, were conducted following the introduction of a falls e-learning education programme. RESULTS: Audits of patient health care records (using the Falls Chart Audit Tool), together with observation of practice for 119 (pre) and 99 (post) patients, were undertaken. Initial risk screening was conducted using the Modified Ontario Stratify Scale for most patients (95%). Interventions such as a falls risk flag in the records/on beds, supervision when the patient is mobilising or in the bathroom, area clear of hazards, use of chair/bed alarms, and referral to allied health staff were significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: Initial risk screening of patients and improvements in preventive interventions were demonstrated. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This falls e-learning programme represents a cost-effective method of increasing falls mitigation strategies within large organisations. The Falls Chart Audit Tool provides a valuable monitoring tool for managers. Falls risk screening when the patient's condition changes, requires vigilance by managers or reminders within clinical information systems.
AIM: This study investigated the impact of an e-learning education programme for nurses on falls risk screening, falls prevention and post-falls management. BACKGROUND:Falls injury within older inpatients is a major patient safety concern. METHOD: Using a pre-post design, observation of the patient and environment and patient health care record audits, were conducted following the introduction of a falls e-learning education programme. RESULTS: Audits of patient health care records (using the Falls Chart Audit Tool), together with observation of practice for 119 (pre) and 99 (post) patients, were undertaken. Initial risk screening was conducted using the Modified Ontario Stratify Scale for most patients (95%). Interventions such as a falls risk flag in the records/on beds, supervision when the patient is mobilising or in the bathroom, area clear of hazards, use of chair/bed alarms, and referral to allied health staff were significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: Initial risk screening of patients and improvements in preventive interventions were demonstrated. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This falls e-learning programme represents a cost-effective method of increasing falls mitigation strategies within large organisations. The Falls Chart Audit Tool provides a valuable monitoring tool for managers. Falls risk screening when the patient's condition changes, requires vigilance by managers or reminders within clinical information systems.
Authors: Vanessa Cristina Alves; Weslen Carlos Junior de Freitas; Jeferson Silva Ramos; Samantha Rodrigues Garbis Chagas; Cissa Azevedo; Luciana Regina Ferreira da Mata Journal: Rev Lat Am Enfermagem Date: 2017-12-21