Effect of fall risk assessment software in electronic medical record system used by junior nurses

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of fall risk assessment software in electronic medical record system used by junior nurses. Methods By retrospective study, the fall events reported by electronic medical record system between 2014 and 2015 were analyzed. The prediction rate for high risk falls and the incidence of falls related to junior nurses were compared before and after using fall risk assessment software, and the effect of fall risk assessment software on cognition and safety attitude of junior nurses was analyzed by revised report cognitive questionnaire and patient safety culture assessing scale about clinical nurse. Results After using fall risk assessment software, the prediction rate for high risk falls of junior nurses was higher than before (54.9% vs 25.9%), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The incidence of falls related to junior nurses reduced to 40%, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The cognition of nursing adverse event report improved significantly. The total score of patient safety culture assessing scale and the scores of all dimensions were increased. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions Fall risk assessment software in electronic medical record system can improve the junior nurses′ ability of preventing adverse events, strengthen their security beliefs, and ensure the safety of care. Key words: Fall; Junior nurse; Electronic medical record; Software