Development and feasibility of falls prevention advice.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study examined the feasibility of nursing falls prevention advice and factors influencing feasibility.

BACKGROUND

The frequency and seriousness of falls in hospitalised patients are underestimated, and such falls should be preventable because of the presence of professionals. A best practice-based falls prevention advice was developed to decrease the incidence of secondary falls and the incidence of primary falls in the long term and to increase the knowledge of nurses about falls prevention and the seriousness of falls.

DESIGN

A descriptive, explorative study.

METHODS

Feasibility of the advice for 30 patients was assessed 82 times (theoretically, three times per patient) by observation and by interviewing nurses, patients and their families.

RESULTS

The falls prevention advice was used in 48% of the assessments. There was a difference in use between interventions. Interventions that required more knowledge, communication and extra activities were implemented the least. The absence of materials and knowledge about falls prevention were important determinants of the non-implementation of certain interventions.

CONCLUSION

Before falls prevention advice is implemented, it is important to educate nurses about falls, communication skills and implementation of the advice.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The falls prevention advice might help nurses to prevent falls and increase their knowledge about falls prevention.