Citation

Neiman J, Rannie M, Thrasher J, Terry K, Kahn MG. J. Spec. Pediatr. Nurs. 2011; 16(2): 130-139.

Affiliation

Jenae Neiman, RN, MBA, is a Quality Improvement Specialist, Department of Quality and Patient Safety, The Children's Hospital; Michael Rannie, RN, MS, is a Manager, Department of Clinical Informatics, The Children's Hospital; Jodi Thrasher, MS, RN, FNP-BC, is a Clinical Practice Specialist, The Children's Hospital; Karen Terry, MS, RN, is a Manager, Nursing Quality, Department of Nursing, The Children's Hospital; and Michael G. Kahn, MD, PhD, is Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Informatics, The Children's Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1744-6155.2011.00277.x

PMID

21439003

Abstract

Purpose.  The purpose was to develop and implement I'M SAFE, a comprehensive patient fall-risk assessment tool linked to a tiered-intervention falls prevention program. Design and Method.  A fall-risk evaluation tool was incorporated into electronic nurse documentation along with risk-specific nursing interventions. Results.  Intrinsic fall rates declined significantly (preimplementation: .67 falls/1,000 patient days; postimplementation: .51 falls/1,000 patient days, p= .015) and has been sustained 2 years following implementation. Practice Implications.  The I'M SAFE tool identifies patients at increased risk for falls. When linked to a multidisciplinary fall prevention program, the incidence of preventable falls can be reduced. The program's impact has persisted across two facilities.

Language: en