Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

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Department

Nursing

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Abstract

Falls among nursing home residents pose a significant threat to patient safety, often leading to injuries, increased healthcare costs, and diminished quality of life. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to implement a structured fall prevention program to improve staff compliance with evidence-based interventions and reduce fall rates. The project interventions included staff education, the Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT), sit-to-stand exercises, and rounding sheets to document fall prevention efforts. Data collection methods consisted of fall incident reports, staff surveys, and adherence tracking of implemented strategies. The results demonstrated improved staff compliance with rounding sheets, though adherence to BMAT and sit-to-stand exercises remained inconsistent. Despite these challenges, fall rates decreased from 12 falls in the four months before project implementation to seven falls after implementation, reflecting a positive trend in patient safety. Staff surveys also indicated increased awareness and engagement in fall prevention strategies. The findings emphasize the need for continued staff education, leadership reinforcement, and workflow integration to sustain progress. This project highlights the impact of structured fall prevention initiatives in reducing fall risks and improving patient outcomes. Future research should explore methods to enhance long-term compliance and incorporate digital tracking for efficiency.

Keywords

Fall, prevention, safety, interventions, compliance, staff

Advisor

Dr. Jenny Manry

Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

DNP Project

Rights

© The Author


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