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Development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive fall risk program
Author(s) -
Neiman Jenae,
Rannie Michael,
Thrasher Jodi,
Terry Karen,
Kahn Michael G.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal for specialists in pediatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1744-6155
pISSN - 1539-0136
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6155.2011.00277.x
Subject(s) - fall prevention , medicine , documentation , psychological intervention , risk assessment , medical emergency , intervention (counseling) , injury prevention , occupational safety and health , poison control , nursing , computer science , computer security , pathology , programming language
Purpose. The purpose was to develop and implement I'M SAFE, a comprehensive patient fall‐risk assessment tool linked to a tiered‐intervention falls prevention program. Design and Method. A fall‐risk evaluation tool was incorporated into electronic nurse documentation along with risk‐specific nursing interventions. Results. Intrinsic fall rates declined significantly (preimplementation: .67 falls/1,000 patient days; postimplementation: .51 falls/1,000 patient days, p = .015) and has been sustained 2 years following implementation. Practice Implications. The I'M SAFE tool identifies patients at increased risk for falls. When linked to a multidisciplinary fall prevention program, the incidence of preventable falls can be reduced. The program's impact has persisted across two facilities.