Introducing an Evidence-Based Protocol to Reduce and Prevent Fall Events among Elderly Hospice Patients

Introducing an Evidence-Based Protocol to Reduce and Prevent Fall Events among Elderly Hospice Patients

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Introduction: To examine the effectiveness of a multifactorial intervention to reduce falls for elderly hospice patients who live at home and in skilled nursing facilities.Materials and finish line thia cal Methods: This pre--post intervention study was conducted in a local agency of a healthcare organization for hospice patients in California.The study included 51 hospice patients who did not object to the intervention at the local agency.The multifactorial intervention consisted of four components: (1) fall risk assessment, (2) post-fall huddle session, (3) universal fall precautions education, and (4) the 5 Ps to reduce falls for elderly hospice patients.

The primary outcome was the fall rates (falls per 1,000 occupied bed days).Other outcomes included patient fall risk scores, post-fall huddle compliance, and compliance of universal fall precautions and the 5 Ps.Results: The multifactorial intervention reduced the fall rates for hospice patients from 6.9 in 2017 (baseline period) to 1.

7 in 2019 (implementation period) per 1,000 occupied bed days.There was 100% compliance with fall risk assessment, post-fall huddle administration, universal snoop snacks fall prevention documentation, 5 Ps education, and care plan initiation and modification.Conclusion: The finding of this study indicated a significantly positive effect of a nurse-led multifactorial intervention on fall prevention of hospice patients cared for at home or at skilled nursing facilities.The intervention was easy to implement, cost effective, and took a very short time to complete, which would allow nursing leadership to initiate such interventions to prioritize fall prevention in every hospice healthcare organization.