Fall Prevention Decision Making of Acute Care Registered Nurses.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Investigating registered nurses' (RNs) decision-making in fall prevention is crucial.
• Aligning hospital policies with nursing workflow and judgment supports effective patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the decision-making processes of acute care registered nurses (RNs) regarding patient fall prevention.
• Understanding RNs' judgment in fall prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative semistructured interviews using the Critical Decision Method.
• Interviews focused on RNs' planning and decision-making during a 12-hour shift.

Main Results:

• Nine themes emerged from 12 RN interviews, influencing fall prevention decisions.
• Factors included hospital policies (fear of discipline), unit practices (bed alarms), and nurse-level judgments.

Conclusions:

• Multilevel approach needed for fall prevention policies.
• Promote reporting without fear, evaluate technology, and support autonomous nursing practice.