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Updated: Jun 28, 2025
Design and Analysis for Fall Detection System Simplification
Published on: April 6, 2020
Fall prevention in a pediatric unit: a best practice implementation project
Nydjia Lawrence1,2, Robin Christian1,2, Michelle Palokas1,2
1School of Nursing, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
Insights
Implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs) improved nurse communication for pediatric fall prevention. However, using validated assessment tools for fall risk remains a challenge. Further research is needed to assess long-term effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Patient Safety
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Evidence-Based Practice Implementation
Background:
- Inpatient falls are a significant pediatric safety concern, contributing to extended hospital stays and increased costs.
- A pediatric unit experienced one to two falls monthly, highlighting a need for improved prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate evidence-based practices (EBPs) for pediatric fall prevention in a hospital unit.
- To address gaps in current practices and promote adherence to fall prevention guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework for a systematic approach.
- Conducted baseline and follow-up audits to assess compliance with EBPs.
- Identified barriers and implemented strategies to promote the adoption of EBPs.
Main Results:
- Baseline audit showed 0% compliance with using validated assessment tools for fall risk.
- Nurse-to-nurse communication during shift handover improved from 69% to 82% compliance.
- Compliance with validated assessment tools remained at 0% in the follow-up audit.
Conclusions:
- The project successfully improved specific aspects of pediatric fall prevention, notably nurse communication.
- Identified critical areas, such as the use of validated assessment tools, requiring further intervention.
- Emphasized the need for ongoing evaluation of interventions to ensure sustained improvements in patient safety.
Introduction:
Inpatient falls account for 6% to 24% of pediatric safety incidents and can lead to increased length of hospital stay, increased cost of care, and decreased satisfaction with care. A review of a pediatric hematology, oncology, neurology, and rehabilitation unit in a hospital in the southern United States revealed an average of one to two falls monthly.
Objective:
This project aimed to promote evidence-based practices (EBPs) regarding fall prevention in the pediatric unit.
Methods:
This project used the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework to promote EBPs regarding pediatric fall prevention. A baseline audit was conducted to identify gaps between evidence and current practice. Barriers to EBPs were identified, strategies were implemented to promote EBPs, and a follow-up audit was conducted to measure the effectiveness of the improvement strategies.
Results:
The baseline audit revealed 100% compliance with all criteria except for Criterion 1 (using a validated assessment tool), which scored 0%, and Criterion 5 (communication between nurses at shift handover), which scored 69%. In the follow-up audit, Criterion 1 remained at 0%, but Criterion 5 rose to 82%.
Conclusions:
This project identified areas of non-compliance with best practice recommendations for the prevention and assessment of pediatric fall risk. Interventions were implemented, with positive results. Further investigation is needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of the interventions.
Spanish Abstract:
http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A196.
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Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
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