Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service II (Projects aiming to enhance clinical safety and outcomes, clinical governance / risk management)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Chun Hung Lam* 1, Sum Ming Leung1, Wai Hei Tang1, Fu Shing Chan1, Yau Chi Tsui1, Kam Yin Law1
Affiliation :
Medical and Geriatrics unit, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital, Hong Kong
Introduction :
Nurses are on the front-line and play a vital role in preventing patients from falling. The objectives of this study were to explore the level of nurses' fall-prevention knowledge, the perceptions of how the “Fall Prevention Bundle Program (FPBP)” of Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital (OLMH) affects their efficiency, and the correlation between fall incidents among in-patients. The FPBP contained a range of activities including the Fall Prevention Awareness Day, fall alarm pad use, fall prevention newsletter, etc., which aim at empowering the front -line staff on fall prevention knowledge and awareness.
Objectives :
1. To explore the level of nurses' fall-prevention knowledge for in-patients.
2. To explore nurses' perceptions of how the Fall Prevention Bundle Program affects their efficiency .
3. To explore the correlation between nurses ' knowledge of fall prevention and perception of the Fall Prevention Bundle Program and fall incidents among in-patients.
Methodology :
An observational study (cross-sectional study) was used in this study. Most of the participants are female (78.3%), registered nurses (65.1%), and from the medical ward (89.2%). The patients were mainly elderly who walk with mobility aids or are bedridden. The study period was at the beginning of the study as the baseline (T0); in the third month of the study(T1); and in the sixth month of the study(T2) respectively. The primary outcomes were i) the Fall Prevention Knowledge Test (FPKT) and ii) The Fall Prevention Efficiency Scale (FPES). And the secondary outcome measure was the inpatient fall rates.
The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used as the software to analyze data. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between the three variables. Lastly, this study was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee (REC) of HA.
Result & Outcome :
In conclusion, although there was no relationship either between nurses' knowledge of fall prevention and inpatient fall rates, nurses' perception of the Fall Prevention Bundle Program and inpatient fall rates, the findings of this study could help better understand the level of fall knowledge and perception of a fall program among nurses in the local medium-sized sub-acute hospital. Also, it can be used as baseline data for further research to investigate the contributing factors in reducing inpatient fall rates.
Considering these findings, we are developing phase 2 of the Inpatient Fall Prevention Program to specifically address the needs of patients with cognitive impairment and impaired gaits. By targeting this high-risk population, we hope to bridge the gap between knowledge and perception, ensuring that appropriate fall prevention strategies are consistently implemented. Ultimately, reduce the inpatient fall rates and enhance patient safety. a) Primary outcome
i) Nurses’ Fall Prevention Knowledge
A validated 11-item Fall Prevention Knowledge Test (FPKT) will be used to assess nurses' fall knowledge.
ii) Nurses' perception of the Fall Prevention Bundle Program.
A validated 13-item Fall Prevention Efficiency Scale (FPES) will be used to investigate nurses' views on both burden nurses believed are imposed.
b) Secondary outcome
The secondary outcome measure is the inpatient fall rates. The inpatient fall rates are expressed as the number of incidents of patient falls per 1,000 inpatient bed days occupied (Hospital Authority, 2019).
