Date of Award

Summer 2025

Project Type

Thesis

College or School

CHHS

Department

Nursing

Program or Major

Direct Entry Master of Nursing

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Jordan Lavalle

Second Advisor

Pamela Kallmerten

Abstract

Background: Falls in the inpatient setting can result in prolonged hospitalization, injury, and increased healthcare costs. Older adult patients are particularly vulnerable due to age-related physiological decline and comorbidities, underscoring the need for effective fall prevention strategies.

Local Problem: In a medical-surgical telemetry unit at a New Hampshire hospital, monthly patient falls continued to be a persistent concern. Leadership identified inconsistent adherence to fall precautions as a key contributing factor, particularly concerning a predominantly older adult population with high fall risk. This project aimed to reduce preventable falls by reinforcing staff awareness through visual reminders.

Methods: Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, a fall prevention signage intervention was implemented. Environmental contributors to falls were summarized on laminated signs and placed at the exit of each patient room to prompt staff to verify fall precautions before leaving. Fall occurrence data from the four months prior were compared to a two-week post-intervention period. Staff were informed of the project via email and huddle announcements, and a post-intervention survey was distributed to assess awareness, engagement, and perceived efficacy.

Results: The specific aim of reducing fall occurrences by 15% of the 3-month pre intervention average was not achieved, but an 11% reduction was demonstrated. Based on the survey data, staff were unsure if the signage directly prevented falls but agreed that it reminded them to check if fall precautions were in place.

Conclusion: Visual reminders alone may support staff adherence to fall precautions and promote a culture of safety, particularly in busy care environments. Future improvements should focus on increasing staff engagement and extending the duration of implementation to enhance impact. Areas of improvement for future efforts were identified as staff engagement and prolonging of implementation.

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