Improving nurses' compliance with evidence-based falls prevention practices in urology settings: a best practice implementation project.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Falls represent multifactorial adverse events and are a major challenge in the care of patients with urological conditions. AIM: The aim of this evidence implementation project was to improve fall prevention practices in three urology wards of a specialized hospital in Romania. METHODS: The project followed the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework and involved a baseline audit, an implementation period, and a follow-up audit. The audit questionnaire comprised nine audit criteria, derived from a JBI Best Practice Evidence Summary. The population samples included 120 patients and 30 nurses. RESULTS: The results of the follow-up audit showed improved compliance with the nine audit criteria, with values ranging between 42% and 100%. High compliance rates (over 80%) were noted for criteria regarding the existence of evidence-based procedures, staff education, and the provision of information on falls prevention to patients. However, more modest results were obtained for criteria regarding multidisciplinary interventions implemented according to individual risk factors (42%-50%) and the involvement of the patients in setting goals and planning treatment (45%-55%). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of evidence-based practices was associated with improved compliance with falls prevention standards. However, as patient outcome data were not assessed, the impact on fall incidence remains to be determined. Sustained efforts are required to improve compliance for audit criteria with modest results and to maintain the gains achieved. SPANISH ABSTRACT: https://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A690.