Clinical Nurse Specialists Using Evidence-Based Practice to Prevent Falls

Area of Science:

• Nursing Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Inpatient falls pose a significant risk to patient safety and contribute to increased healthcare costs.
• Effective fall prevention programs are crucial for improving patient outcomes in acute care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reduce inpatient falls and falls with injury by implementing the Hester Davis Fall Program.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive, evidence-based fall prevention program led by clinical nurse specialists.

Main Methods:

• The Plan-Do-Study-Act model was used for implementation across two adult acute care facilities.
• Clinical nurse specialists collaborated with nurse managers for program planning, implementation, and outcome evaluation.
• Data analytic dashboards and sustainability coaches facilitated targeted strategy selection for risk assessment and interventions.

Main Results:

• Both facilities showed favorable trends in fall rates, with one exceeding the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) mean.
• Total falls decreased from 744 to 692 over a 9-month period post-implementation compared to the previous year.
• Estimated cost savings ranged from $202,176 to $491,400.

Conclusions:

• Clinical nurse specialists are vital for the successful implementation of evidence-based quality improvement programs.
• Adequate resources and skilled leadership are essential for organizations aiming to enhance quality measures and patient safety.