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.
Subject(s)
Accidental Falls/prevention & control , Guideline Adherence , Quality Improvement , Risk Management/methods , Aged , Communication , Humans , Intensive Care Units , Leadership , Organizational Culture , Professional Staff Committees , Risk Assessment , United StatesABSTRACT
Hospitals across the United States and around the world are fighting the escalation of drug-resistant infections. In response to this costly and life-threatening problem, facilities are engaging in vigorous programs to prevent its occurrence and spread. This article presents one hospital's fight against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by implementing a facility-wide program aimed at changing and standardizing the culture within the hospital.
