Perceived top 10 highly effective interventions to prevent adult inpatient fall injuries by specialty area: A multihospital nurse survey

PurposeThis study identified the perceived top 10 highly effective interventions to prevent fall injuries of adult inpatients based on the perceptions of RN staff by specialty area in acute hospital settings.BackgroundThe fall prevention precautions to focus on may vary by patients' medical problems and thus by specialty area.MethodsThis cross-sectional nurse survey was conducted at five U.S. health systems (July 2011–February 2012, 68 study units, 10 specialty areas). 560 staff participants completed the survey, yielding an overall response rate of 25.81%. This work is part of a larger project. Descriptive statistics were used.ResultsEach specialty area had its own top 10 effective interventions identified by RNs. The complexity and differences in the top 10 highly effective interventions by the 10 included specialty areas are apparent. For example, only one common intervention (keeping hospital bed brakes locked) appeared in the lists from the medical units and surgical units.ConclusionAddressing the unique needs of the patient population by specialty area is essential. Adopting the perceived top 10 highly effective interventions for preventing injurious falls by specialty area with staff consensus might be more feasible for staff buy-in and compliance in inpatient acute care settings. Since patients' characteristics may change over time and the science in fall prevention is advancing, re-prioritizing effective interventions as needed every 2 years is recommended.