Falls risk assessment and falls prevention strategies in private oncology and neurosurgical setting: a best practice implementation project

Abstract

Background Patient falls are common in hospital; however, most of these falls can be prevented. Evidence indicates that accurate and prompt falls risk assessment, and adherence to the best practice in falls prevention strategies can significantly reduce the incidence of falls. This implementation project highlighted the following: accurate falls risk assessment, promptness of risk assessment, and implementation and adherence to falls prevention strategies. Objectives In a private hospital setting, the objectives were to: (i) promote healthcare staff assessing patients for risk of falls accurately and promptly; (ii) promote adherence to the current best practice of falls prevention strategies; (iii) assess shortfalls and enhance in education around falls prevention; and (iv) to enhance the evidence-based policy. Methods A pre- and post-implementation audit method was utilised. There were eight evidence-based audit criteria. Thirty patients were audited. The project was implemented in four phases in the medical-oncology, and neurosurgical departments for seven months. Getting Research into Practice strategies implemented to enhance falls prevention practice were education sessions, reminder badges, and shift falls champion. Results The baseline audit showed low compliance with best practice in accurate (28%) and prompt (<20%) falls risk assessments, patient education (27%), and implementation and adherence to falls prevention strategies (27%) in both departments. At post-implementation audit, practice improved in both departments. Assessment accuracy, and implementation and adherence to prevention strategies improved to 68% and 65% respectively. Small improvements were seen in promptness of assessments, and patient education. Conclusions The current best practice in falls risk assessment and prevention strategies were highlighted in this project. Despite low compliance in promptness of falls risk assessments, and patient education, the project was successful because accuracy of assessments, and implementation and adherence to falls prevention strategies improved.