Geriatric Falls
Introduction (1 week)
This topic provides the introduction and overview of the problem. Geriatric falls is one of the leading mechanisms of injury among elderly patients. About 48% of falls in elderly patients lead to minor trauma such as abrasions, lacerations, and bruises. However, 10% of the falls in elderly patients results in significant injuries such as bone fractures and intracranial injuries. Studies also show that 1% of the falls lead to hip bone fracture, which contributes to post fall morbidities. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), geriatric falls lead to traumatic brain injury as well as death in patients aged 65 years and above.
The Centers for Disease Control also shows that in 2013, the cost of treating fall-related injuries by the patients and the insurance company was 34 billion dollars. Studies indicate that fall-related injuries are preventable and should never happen. Also, the research indicates that hourly rounding by nurses reduces the risk of falls and injury among the elderly patients.
Literature Review (2 weeks)
The literature search seeks to provide answers to the PICO question. The literature reviews various sources on how the hourly rounding influences the risk of falls compared to one on one observation among patient’s aged 65 years and above. The literature also discusses the concept of hourly nursing round in the improvement of patient safety. It also provides information on the factors that affect the implementation of hourly nursing round. Studies indicate that one on one observation is not effective in preventing injuries among elderly patients. One on one observation involves assigning an individual to sit with the patient and provide close monitoring. This technique becomes ineffective because the individual assigned to a patient may be distracted. The distraction interferes with close monitoring of the patient and measures to prevent fall may not be put in place.
The concept of hourly nursing round entails a purposeful interaction with the patients on every hour. The nurse gets an opportunity assess and document their progress. The nurse assesses pain and provides analgesic. In addition, the nurse assesses the personal need, help position the patient and prevent any factor that may lead to falls. This technique is better because the nurse provides patient centered care. Patient centered care enables the patient to participate in putting in place measures to prevent falls. Some factors such as resistance to change affects the implementation of hourly nursing round. Studies indicate the use of lowa change model helps in the implementation of evidence based practices in the healthcare setting.
Methodology (4 weeks)
This chapter will describe the research design, study participant, data collection and analysis. This section will include conducting a pilot on two units to assess the impact of hourly round. This study will enable the researcher to evaluate the effect of the technique on falls among the elderly patient. Ethical consideration will include obtaining the approval to conduct the study. The study will involves nurse leaders from the first unit to champion for this technique. The second unit will take part in the actual implementation process. The second unit will comprise of trained nurses to conduct the hourly nursing round.
Results (1 week)
This chapter will present data obtained from the research. Tables and graphs will be used to present data. The study shows that hourly rounds reduced patient’s falls by 50%.
Discussion (1 week)
This chapter will provide a comparison of the results with the literature of other studies. This chapter will also explain the meaning of the finding.
Conclusion (1 week)
This chapter will describe how hourly round reduces falls among elderly patients.