Improving falls risk screening and prevention using an e-learning approach.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the impact of an e-learning education programme for nurses on falls risk screening, falls prevention and post-falls management.


BACKGROUND
Falls injury within older inpatients is a major patient safety concern.


METHODS
Using a pre-post design, observation of the patient and environment and patient health care record audits, were conducted following the introduction of a falls e-learning education programme.


RESULTS
Audits of patient health care records (using the Falls Chart Audit Tool), together with observation of practice for 119 (pre) and 99 (post) patients, were undertaken. Initial risk screening was conducted using the Modified Ontario Stratify Scale for most patients (95%). Interventions such as a falls risk flag in the records/on beds, supervision when the patient is mobilising or in the bathroom, area clear of hazards, use of chair/bed alarms, and referral to allied health staff were significantly improved.


CONCLUSIONS
Initial risk screening of patients and improvements in preventive interventions were demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
This falls e-learning programme represents a cost-effective method of increasing falls mitigation strategies within large organisations. The Falls Chart Audit Tool provides a valuable monitoring tool for managers. Falls risk screening when the patient's condition changes, requires vigilance by managers or reminders within clinical information systems.
School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.|Centre for Applied Nursing Research, South Western Sydney Local Health District, University of Western Sydney (Affiliated with the Ingham Institute, Liverpool NSW), Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
Maree
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3365-6172
M
Johnson
Centre for Education and Workforce Development, Rozelle, NSW, Australia.
Linda
L
Kelly
Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Katica
K
Siric
Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
Duong Thuy
DT
Tran
Mental Health Centre (Level 1), Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, Liverpool Hospital, Infant Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (ICAMHS) Research, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
Bronwyn
B
Overs
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales; D009731:Nursing Audit; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D061214:Patient Safety / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015397:Program Evaluation; D018570:Risk Assessment
audit; education; falls; learning; nurses