Citation

Bonuel N, Manjos A, Lockett L, Gray-Becknell T. Crit. Care Nurs. Q. 2011; 34(2): 154-158.

Affiliation

Author Affiliations: Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Texas.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/CNQ.0b013e3182129d3a

PMID

21407011

Abstract

In a quest to exceed the expectations of our veterans, the staff strives to perform at the highest level of competence in all endeavors. An opportunity to improve nurse-sensitive indicators associated with patient falls was noted. The fall prevention program was evaluated and a plan was formulated. The 5 principle elements incorporated in clinical trials for practice improvement included: collaborative interdisciplinary practice, active leadership engagement, use of technology to support processes, carefully executed communication strategy and house-wide change. As a result of practice improvements at the study facility, positive outcomes were evident. In a national database for hospitals having a similar bed size, the study facility outperformed more than half of others in regard to total falls and falls with injury per 1000 days during two-quarters.

Language: en