![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Learning Objective 1: discuss the advantages of the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to promote evidence-based care within an organization.
Learning Objective 2: identify the benefits of hospital/university collaborations for students, staff and faculty.
Unlike many topics in nursing, an abundance of evidence exists related to falls and fall prevention. A review of the National Guideline Clearinghouse reveals a plethora of guidelines related to fall prevention in a variety of different patient care settings. Likewise, both the Cochrane Library and TRIP Database contain a multitude of reviews on the topic. From an academic perspective, it is an evidence-based dream come true. Yet, a closer look reveals inconclusive results and inconsistencies therefore presenting a challenge to nurses and other healthcare team members focused on improving fall risk identification and fall prevention within healthcare organizations. A priority for accreditation, certification and reimbursement, fall prevention ranks at the top of the quality indicators list. More importantly, patients watch with a cautious eye, those strategies implemented within organizations that promote patient safety. It is therefore important that the best evidence is incorporated into all efforts to improve patient outcomes. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) represents a three pronged approach to healthcare delivery. It is “an integration of the best evidence available, nursing expertise, and the values and preferences of the individuals, families and communities who are served” (Sigma Theta Tau, 2005). The purpose of this quality improvement project was to incorporate all three elements of EBP to prevent falls and improve patient outcomes. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care (Titler et al., 2001) was utilized to help sift through the research evidence but to also incorporate clinical expertise, organization-specific goals and the preferences of the community served. A collaborative partnership between a local hospital and university allowed nursing faculty, baccalaureate nursing students and hospital staff to partner together to implement an evidence-based fall prevention program. Results of the collaboration will be discussed. A discussion of the application of the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice will be included.