Therapeutic Nursing Interventions
NURS 403 Transition to BSN Practice
Therapeutic Nursing Interventions for Falls
Purpose of Assignment
The purpose of this paper is to define a clinical problem, review the literature for appropriate research supported nursing interventions, critique current practice and provide a plan for changing or adapting clinical practice.
Student Approach
In this assignment, I wanted to discuss one of the many common issues healthcare facilities face: falls. I discuss the significance of falls, how it can have a major impact on a patient’s lifestyle, and why it is a serious issue at the rehabilitation facility I work at. I discuss the general, institutional, and specific standards on falls and how they can be reduced. I came up with several possible solutions that could reduce falls.
Reason for Inclusion
The rehabilitation facility in which I currently work at has a fall once per week. Many of the patients who we take care of are elderly and have multiple complications; a fall can worsen said conditions and can either prolong their stay or send them to the emergency department. I wanted to create several proactive interventions that may help reduce the risk of falls for the patients. The paper provided me with such an opportunity.
Critical Thinking
Engages in creative problem solving
Despite the number of interventions we already have, we would have falls occurring once a week. The formal and informal mechanisms are discussed, highlighting what strategies have been most/least effective. The informal mechanisms are listed, explaining how some current interventions can be problematic.
Nursing Practice
Performs therapeutic interventions that incorporate principles of quality management and proper safety techniques.
The clinical interventions which are listed in the paper provide strong evidence that show a decrease in falls. Suggested interventions include education for staff members who engage with patients frequently, updated whiteboards, the use of the Hester Davis Scale (HDS), the use of gait belts, and incorporating fall debriefings. Incorporating all of the techniques could reduce falls among the patient population.
Professionalism
Differentiates between general, institutional, and specialty-specific standards of practice to guide nursing care.
Falls have been shown to be catastrophic for a patient’s well-being. Falls are defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality along with the facility’s within the current clinical practice. It discusses how communication, teaching, and the use of universal formal mechanisms can reduce falls. It also talks about the use of online training modules, whiteboard communication, and color-coded fall signs to signify the patient’s current transfer/ambulatory status.