Examining and Addressing Increased Hospital Inpatient Falls Rates at an Urban Community Hospital

Author

Juan Lira, University of the Incarnate WordFollow

Date of Degree

12-2025

Document Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program

Nursing

Advisor

Percell, Karen

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Falls are the leading cause of reported injuries within the hospital setting. Injuries from falls occur in about20-45% of the time and is the leading cause of injury and injury death among the adult population. Inpatient falls are associated with an additional $14,0000 per occurrence and a prolonged hospitalization by 6.3 days. Increased falls rates affect hospitals rating, accreditation and reimbursements. This hospital is experiencing inpatient falls that exceed national average and corporate goals.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reduce the hospital falls rate by 10% within 90 days of initiating evidence-based evaluation and facility-wide coaching, monitoring and compliance documentation.

Objectives: A multidisciplinary approach to increase staff compliance to the current policy including: 1. education on falls policy with revised material 2. Initiate fall prevention compliance audits, with on-the-spot coaching to compliance. 3. Reinforce completion of post falls reviews.

Methods: This project was completed using the Iowa Model for Evidence-Based Practice. Implementation included policy review, audit tool configuration, testing, and implementation as well as revision of education materials and education session provision. Outcomes data collected included pre and post falls rates. Process data included collection of falls audit completion and audit results.

Outcomes: After the intervention period, evaluation of falls policy compliance increased from 44% to 77%, and the monthly falls rate decreased from 2.07 per 1000 patient days pre-intervention to 1.93 falls per 1000 patient days post intervention.

Implications for practice: Inpatient falls is a complex problem that requires a multifaceted evidence-based interventions and active stakeholder engagement to find improvement. A logic models is a helpful tool that summarizes the evidence and creates a roadmap of the required interventions that address the spectrum of falls prevention. Ensuring the individual items within the logic model are continually met is key to ensuring a stable falls prevention performance.

Recommended Citation

Lira, Juan, "Examining and Addressing Increased Hospital Inpatient Falls Rates at an Urban Community Hospital" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice. 130.
https://athenaeum.uiw.edu/uiw_dnp/130