Background Problem statement Purpose of the change proposal PICOT Literature search strategy employed Evaluation of the literature Applicable change or nursing theory utilized

Background Falling patients are a common and serious problem that can result in significant injuries, or even death. Falls can occur in various settings, including acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, and even in patients’ homes. Falls in healthcare facilities are a complex problem with many factors. Prevention requires an integrated approach. This change proposal will examine the issue of falls within healthcare institutions, and propose a solution.

Falling in the healthcare industry is a serious problem. It can cause injury and even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that falls are responsible for the majority of injuries-related deaths in adults 65 and over. In addition to causing prolonged hospitalizations, higher healthcare costs and a decrease in patient satisfaction, falls can result in increased health care costs. Falling is often avoidable and hospitals must use evidence-based intervention to reduce falls and improve outcomes.

Change proposal purpose This proposal is designed to create and implement a Fall Prevention Program in Healthcare Institutions. This fall prevention program is evidence-based, and will aim to reduce the number of falls within healthcare facilities. The fall prevention program will be developed on the basis of a literature review that will also include best practices.

PICOT Patient population: Healthcare institutions Intervention: Implementation a fall prevention program based on evidence Comparison: No interventions or usual care Results: A reduction in falls Incidence: Six months after the program implementation

The literature search strategy used A thorough literature search using electronic databases such as PubMed, CINAHL Cochrane Library and Scopus was performed. The search was conducted using keywords such as “fall prevention,” “healthcare institutions,” “interventions,” “patient safety,” and “evidence-based practice.” The search was limited to articles published in English, peer-reviewed journals, and published between 2016 and 2022. The relevance of 67 articles was assessed.

Literature review The literature reviewed identified several interventions that are evidence-based for the prevention of falls in healthcare facilities. These interventions included fall risk assessments that considered multiple factors, changes to the environment, education of staff, and fitness programs. Literature review highlighted importance of comprehensive fall prevention programs that include all these interventions. Evidence suggests that fall prevention programs with multiple components are most effective at reducing falls.

This change proposal can be based on the Transitions Theory. The Transitions Theory is a nursing theory that focuses on the patient’s transition from one state of health to another, such as from hospital to home. It emphasizes that continuity of care is essential during this period in order to avoid adverse outcomes such as falling. The Transitions Theory can be applied to the development of a fall prevention program that includes interventions aimed at preventing falls during the patient’s transition from hospital to home. This theory is also useful in ensuring that all patients are provided with comprehensive and consistent care across the entire healthcare continuum.