Prevention of Patient Falls: System Change Project Essay

Introduction

Patient falls remain one of the major health concerns for patients with low mobility rates, particularly geriatric patients. Therefore, a framework allowing improved care for the target demographics’ needs and the reduction in the threat of falls must be considered a necessity (Pierrie et al., 2019). To address the issue in question, a combined framework based on supervision and decluttering must be implemented due to the presence of multiple external and internal factors affecting the patient’s propensity to fall.

Description of Selected Change Model for Quality Improvement Proposal

The model in question, particularly the combination of decluttering techniques and the use of a personal assistant for minimizing exposure to risks, is based on Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. Suggesting that the increase in caring implies a rise in patient well-being rates, the model will be used to develop a patient-specific approach by introducing personal assistants for the target demographic, as well as considering the spatial rearrangement of the interior of the facilities (Fahlström et al., 2018). Thus, fall prevention in geriatric patients will be implemented accordingly.

Presentation of Selected Change Model for Quality Improvement Analysis

To present the model in question. One should consider the framework on the basis of which it was developed first. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring implies that the process of caring should be based on the value of human life and the focus on active caring (Bayuo, 2017). Therefore, the specified model will allow the creation of patient-specific fall prevention strategies while also promoting homogenous instructions for nurses. In the context of the DNP practice and the DNP essentials, the suggested framework for fall prevention supports the DNP role by enhancing the significance of its educational and research-related aspects.

Conclusion

The management of falls in elderly patients is vital in minimizing their exposure to further health threats, which is why a framework based on a combined approach of spatial change and patient observation by a Nurse Assistant must be viewed as the only viable solution.

References

Bayuo, J. (2017). A case study in the caring application of Watson’s theory of human caring to end of life care in the burns intensive care unit: A case report.International Journal of Human Caring, 21(3), 142-144.

Fahlström, G., Kamwendo, K., Forsberg, J., & Bodin, L. (2018). Fall prevention by nursing assistants among community‐living elderly people. A randomized controlled trial. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 32(2), 575-585.

Pierrie, S. N., Wally, M. K., Churchill, C., Patt, J. C., Seymour, R. B., & Karunakar, M. A. (2019). Pre-hip fracture falls a missed opportunity for intervention. Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, 10.