Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Committee Chair
Frances Sparti
Abstract
In this research facility, the falls risk assessment that was previously used was replaced with an evidenced-based tool, the Morse Falls Scale. Fall rates were analyzed for a five month period after implementation of the new scale, from May 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016, and compared to the same months the previous year to see if fall rates decrease with using the evidenced-based scale. Fall prevention is multi-factorial and begins with an assessment of the patients risk for a fall, and interventions which are personalized for each patient. Fall prevention should include all staff, as anyone can make a difference in preventing falls. In this study, fall rates did start to slightly decrease in the months following implementation of the new scale. Further research is needed to see if the fall rates continued to decline long term.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Citation Information
Smith, Melissa Jackson, "Does Implementing an Evidence-Based Fall Risk Scale Decrease Fall Rates?" (2017). Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects. 291.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/nursing_etd/291