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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to list two topics that should be included in a falls educational intervention
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to discuss at least one method to evaluate a falls educational intervention
Background: An educational needs assessment indicated a falls educational intervention was needed. Additional supporting information included audits indicating fall risk interventions were not being implemented consistently, improperly completed fall causation reports, and other documentation issues.
Methods: The intervention consisted of an educational poster based on evidenced-based hospital policy and included: fall risk assessment; high risk alert requirements; interventions; contributing medications; patient/family education; procedure post-fall. A pre- and post-test was administered to assess knowledge. A survey (4 point Likert Scale) was administered to further assess the falls educational intervention (1=strongly disagree; 4=strongly agree; higher scores equaling more positive response).
Findings: Twenty-four nurses completed the pre-test and 72 completed the post-test. For question 3: “List four items that alert other hospital personnel that patient is a fall risk” the mean pre-test score=54% and mean post-test score=100%. Question 4 evaluated proper fall risk scoring, and mean pre-test score=33% and mean post-test score=75%. Seventy-one out of 72 participants approached completed the survey. Three surveys were eliminated due to duplicate circling of answers for a total of 68 remaining. The mean survey score was 3.28. For survey item, “The information I received from the Falls poster will help me assess my patients for fall risk more accurately” the mean score was 3.38.
Conclusions: Descriptive statistical findings indicate the poster may have an impact on pre and post-test scores. Thus, there is a need for further analysis.
Implications: Further education on using the fall risk tool may be indicated. A t-test for unequal groups, correlations, additional descriptive statistics and statistical techniques will be applied to questions to determine their relevance.
See more of: Oral Paper & Poster: Evidence-Based Practice Sessions