Nurses in the Loop of Fall Prevention

Abstract

Background: Nurses actively engage in patient care and play an important role in preventing patient falls. However, lack of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding fall prevention contribute to increased incidence of falls. Objectives: This study aims to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on fall prevention among nurses. Methods: A quantitative design with a cross-sectional survey was used for this study. Nurses working in two teaching hospitals in Selangor were purposively selected (n=147). Data were collected via an online platform using an adapted instrument (α>0.70). Nurses in the current study demonstrated a good level of knowledge (M=16.26; +SD=2.48), positive attitude (M=86.86, +SD=9.54), and high level of practice (M=92.03; +SD=9.96). Moreover, a positive relationship was found between knowledge and attitude, knowledge and practice, and attitude and practice of nurses in fall prevention (p<0.05). On the other hand, nurses’ knowledge and attitude differ significantly according to their work experience (p<0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were found between the socio-demographic characteristics and nurses’ practice in fall prevention (p>0.05). Results: The results of the current study on the knowledge and attitudes of nursing staff in both hospitals may help to improve fall prevention practices. Conclusion: However, concern was raised that the importance and potential impact of falls on patient outcomes is underestimated, and future studies on a larger scale are recommended.