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What are the effects of implementing evidence-based fall risk scale on fall rates on developmental disability adults at Plainview Day Habilitation
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What are the effects of implementing evidence-based fall risk scale on fall rates on developmental disability adults at Plainview Day Habilitation

April C. Mills
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
11 Jun 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00002035
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Abstract

Falls Fall prevention
Falls present a huge challenge in Plainview Day Habilitation and could impede the progress already made in helping those with developmental disabilities transition to living independent lives. Falls happen regularly at Plainview Day Hab because people with developmental disabilities often struggle with physical impairment and mobility issues. These falls increase the risk of fall injuries, fractures, and devastating fear of falling (Finlayson, 2018). The nurses usually do not conduct needs and fall assessments at Plainview Day Hab as stipulated by the fall policy. Failing to use the Morse scale means there is no fall assessment documentation. Therefore, nurses do not apply appropriate fall prevention measures. A gap analysis was performed by reviewing 20 randomly selected charts. A gap exists between fall prevention policy and the processes that occur daily to prevent falls. Based on the current assessment, one of the most notable microsystem challenges is the lack of nurse fall assessment documentation. The proposed clinical implication improves fall outcomes for patients at the day hab using the Morse scale tool. Documenting fall risk for every patient and applying appropriate fall practices reduces fall rates. As such, this appropriate intervention is needed to tackle this problem and improve the fall rate at the facility. The different stakeholders should support this initiative. Data shows from January- April 2024 a steady decrease in fall rates. The falls prevention committee report shows eight falls and zero injury. The correction action to prevent falls in this patient population has proven to be effective for safety.

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