In a 1000-1,250 word essay, summarize the study, explain the ways in which the findings might be used in nursing practice, and address ethical considerations associated with the conduct of the study.

Introduction:

The importance of nursing research in improving healthcare outcomes and advancing the field is unquestionable. One study that exemplifies the importance of nursing research is “Patient Falls: A Qualitative Study Examining the Views of Patients and Nurses,” published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing in 2014. This study was designed to examine the experiences and perceptions of nurses and patients regarding hospital falls. The purpose of this essay is to summarize the results, explain how they can be applied in the nursing field, and discuss ethical issues associated with their conduct.

Research Summary

This study took place in a UK hospital with ten patients, ten nurses. Data was collected using semistructured interviews in a qualitative manner. The transcriptions and analyses of the interview transcripts were done on a topical basis.

Findings from the study reveal several themes regarding patient falls including risk factors, prevention and management. Both patients and nurses had similar views on the effects of falling, including physical injury, mental distress and loss of autonomy. While patients cited environmental risk factors like slick floors and the lack of railings for falls, nurses focused on patient factors including confusion, mobility difficulties, and medication usage. Patients and nurses both recognized that fall prevention is important, which includes environmental modification, patient education and monitoring. Last but not least, this study showed a lack in consistency of how falls are managed. Patients reported feeling ignored while nurses acknowledged the need to improve communication.

Nurse Practice Implications:

This study has several implications on nursing practice. First, nurses must recognize the patient’s perceptions of falls and their fears. It is possible to achieve this through communication and education of patients, both of which are effective in reducing anxiety and promoting fall prevention. Second, it highlights how environmental changes, like handrails or non-slip floor coverings, can reduce fall risks. These modifications can be promoted by nurses in the hospital setting. Thirdly, nurses should conduct thorough assessments of patients’ fall risk factors and implement appropriate prevention measures, such as frequent monitoring and medication reviews. Finaly, the study stresses that nurses and patients need to have a clear and consistent dialogue regarding falls. This includes reporting, management and follow up.

The Ethical Issues:

Ethics must always be considered when conducting human subject research. In this research, several ethical questions were discussed. First, all participants provided informed consent, while their privacy was protected. The study was non-coercive, with participants free to leave at any point. The researchers also ensured the study didn’t harm the participants. Some ethical issues may have gone unnoticed, including the possibility of emotional distress in participants who discuss falls. A power imbalance could also have affected the responses of patients and nurses. Debriefing, participant validation and other measures should be used in future studies to tackle these ethical issues.

Conclusion:

The study “Patient Falls: A Qualitative Study Examining the Views of Patients and Nurses” offers valuable insights into the perceptions and experiences of patients and nurses regarding falls in hospital settings. Nursing practice can be affected by the findings, which include patient education and environmental changes, as well as clear communication. Although ethical concerns were considered in this study further measures are needed to ensure safety and the wellbeing of participants. This study highlights how important nursing research is in improving outcomes and patient care.