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Keywords

Patient falls, Fall prevention, Nurse education, Risk assessment, Patient safety, Compliance audit, Quality improvement

Abstract

Background: Patient falls are a leading cause of injury and extended hospitalization in healthcare settings. Despite existing protocols, the Male Medical Ward of Wadi Al -Dawaser General Hospital, Riyadh Region, Kigdom of Saudi Arabia, experienced a preventable fall in January 2025, highlighting gaps in staff knowledge and protocol adherence.

Objective: This quality improvement project aimed to enhance nurses’ knowledge on fall prevention and reduce fall incidence by implementing structured education and compliance tools.

Methods: A three-month intervention was conducted involving baseline audits, staff education sessions, environmental checks, and implementation of a fall risk assessment checklist. Nurse knowledge was evaluated via pre- and post-tests. Fall incidence rates and protocol adherence were measured.

Results: Nurse knowledge scores increased from 65% to 90%. Fall incidence decreased by 40% (from 5.2 to 3.1 falls/1000 patient-days). Compliance with fall prevention protocols improved from 72% to 94%, and patient/family engagement rose from 55% to 78%.

Conclusion: Structured education, clear protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration significantly improved fall prevention outcomes. Sustainability will require continued audits, staff motivation, and leadership support.

https://doi.org/10.61096/shareme.v4.iss2.2025.1-4
  
   PDF    96