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Multilevel factors influencing falls of patients in hospital: The impact of nurse staffing
Author(s) -
Kim Jinhyun,
Kim Sungjae,
Park Jinhee,
Lee Eunhee
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/jonm.12765
Subject(s) - medicine , staffing , nursing management , population , nursing , emergency medicine , environmental health
Aim The objective of this study was to investigate both individual and organizational factors influencing the falls of patients in hospitals. Background Falls and fall‐related injuries, which cause health problems and increase the economic burden to patients, are a critical issue for patient safety. Methods This study retrospectively reviewed patient data and analysed factors influencing patient falls using a mixed‐effect model. Results The total number of patients in the study was 60,049, and the characteristics of the patients showed statistically significant differences according to the type of hospital where the fall occurred. The average rate of falls was 0.92 per 1,000 days. The rate of falls in general hospitals was the highest among all hospitals. Age, mobility impairment and hours per patient day for care delivered by registered nurses were factors influencing patients’ falls. Conclusion Since the number of patient falls in an acute‐care setting might increase in the future because of the growing elderly population, we should consider these risk factors for falls and construct preventative programs accordingly. Implications for nursing management An adequate level of nursing staff is an essential factor in the number of patient falls.