Supported implementation of tailored multicomponent fall prevention interventions in hospital: a feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Hospital falls are a significant patient safety concern.
• Implementing multicomponent fall prevention interventions is challenging and inconsistent in routine practice.
• Quality improvement (QI) education and clinical facilitation may enhance the implementation of these interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acceptability of QI education and clinical facilitation for implementing tailored, multicomponent fall prevention interventions.
• To describe preliminary implementation impacts, barriers, and facilitators.
• To inform future study feasibility.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method implementation feasibility study was conducted in four acute hospital wards.
• Local teams received QI education and 12 weeks of clinical facilitation.
• Data were collected through pre/post-implementation surveys and post-implementation interviews.

Main Results:

• Staff satisfaction with support strategies was high (mean score 7.4/10).
• 74% of staff were aware of interventions, and 86% reported positive practice impact.
• Barriers included lack of accountability and competing priorities; facilitators included local integration and leadership.

Conclusions:

• QI education and clinical facilitation appear acceptable and feasible for supporting hospital fall prevention interventions.
• These strategies show promise for improving patient safety.
• Further evaluation is warranted to assess the impact of adapted implementation strategies.