Loresto FL Jr, Grant C, Solberg J, Eron K. Assessing the Effect of Unit Champion-Initiated Audits on Fall Rates: Improving Awareness.
J Nurs Care Qual 2020;
35:227-32. [PMID:
32433145 DOI:
10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000449]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Inpatient falls remain challenging with repercussions that can include patient injury and increased hospital expense. Fall rates were consistently above the national benchmark. An initiative to reduce fall rates was use of Fall Champion Audits (FCAs).
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of FCAs on patient fall rates.
METHODS
FCAs were piloted on a medical-oncology unit. An interrupted time series design was used to assess the effect of FCAs on fall rates.
INTERVENTION
FCA is an audit conducted by the unit fall champion that assesses fall risk, interventions, and barriers among staff and patients.
RESULTS
Analysis suggested a significant decrease in fall rates from pre- (3.75) to postimplementation (1.62). FCAs worked in conjunction with a division-wide fall program in reducing fall rate.
CONCLUSIONS
FCAs, in conjunction with a fall program, are a feasible intervention in reducing fall rates.
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