Addressing Falls Among Older Oncology Patients Through Complexity Science

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Quality Improvement Science
• Geriatric Oncology

Background:

• Older adults with cancer have a higher risk of falls, which can negatively impact treatment and outcomes.
• Oncology settings often lack routine fall screening, assessment, and prevention protocols.
• Fall-related injuries in this population can lead to hospitalization, functional decline, and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an innovative, point-of-care, interdisciplinary approach to reduce high fall risk frequencies in ambulatory oncology clinics.
• To leverage complexity leadership principles and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student competencies for organizational change.
• To suggest replicable processes for nurse executives to address other clinical challenges.

Main Methods:

• Utilized complexity theory to support grassroots, nonlinear change for emergence and adaptation.
• Implemented the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) initiative.
• Emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, and coordination among healthcare specialists.

Main Results:

• Established a fall prevention quality improvement system process within an ambulatory healthcare organization.
• Enabled oncology professionals to screen, assess, and intervene for fall risks.
• Highlighted the role of DNP-educated nurses in leading large-scale change initiatives.

Conclusions:

• An interdisciplinary, point-of-care approach, guided by complexity leadership, can effectively address fall risks in oncology.
• The STEADI initiative provides a framework for fall prevention in ambulatory oncology settings.
• DNP-prepared nurses are crucial for driving quality improvement and implementing evidence-based practices in complex healthcare environments.