Designing and implementing an electronic post-fall huddle form to enhance data collection

After implementing a comprehensive fall program, a critical process for investigating patient fall events, the post-fall huddle form (PFHF), was identified as an opportunity to collect extensive data to promote fall prevention. However, the PFHF was a manual process in paper format only and consisted of approximately 50 questions. The process was deemed laborious and wasn't consistently completed.

The aim was to promote completion rates and evaluate the impact on direct care nurses in a neurosciences unit.

The quality improvement project included designing an electronic PFHF, education for entering and validating the data, routine feedback, and pre- and postimplementation surveys. Supportive features included force functions, deidentification, electronic health record interoperability, and automated leader notification.

Completion rates improved from 11.1% to an overall average of 99.6%. There was statistical significance related to decreased time to complete the form electronically for the initiator (P = .035) and the validator (P = .003). Frustrations and concerns expressed during the preimplementation survey decreased upon using the electronic PFHF.

Utilizing technology, the electronic PFHF increased completion rates, enhanced data collection, and improved staff satisfaction. In addition, health care leaders increased the valuable data needed to promote patient safety and cost-savings.