Fall prevention in a pediatric unit: a best practice implementation project

ABSTRACT Introduction: Inpatient falls account for 6% to 24% of pediatric safety incidents and can lead to increased length of hospital stay, increased cost of care, and decreased satisfaction with care. A review of a pediatric hematology, oncology, neurology, and rehabilitation unit in a hospital in the southern United States revealed an average of one to two falls monthly. Objective: This project aimed to promote evidence-based practices (EBPs) regarding fall prevention in the pediatric unit. Methods: This project used the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework to promote EBPs regarding pediatric fall prevention. A baseline audit was conducted to identify gaps between evidence and current practice. Barriers to EBPs were identified, strategies were implemented to promote EBPs, and a follow-up audit was conducted to measure the effectiveness of the improvement strategies. Results: The baseline audit revealed 100% compliance with all criteria except for Criterion 1 (using a validated assessment tool), which scored 0%, and Criterion 5 (communication between nurses at shift handover), which scored 69%. In the follow-up audit, Criterion 1 remained at 0%, but Criterion 5 rose to 82%. Conclusions: This project identified areas of non-compliance with best practice recommendations for the prevention and assessment of pediatric fall risk. Interventions were implemented, with positive results. Further investigation is needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of the interventions. Spanish abstract: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A196