The effect of nurses' training on the implementation of preventive measures for falls in hospitalized elderly patients

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of nurses' training on the implementation of preventive measures for falls in hospitalized elderly individuals.Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted, involving 64 nurses employed at Ganjavian Hospital in Dezful, Iran. Convenience sampling was used to select the participants between April 15th and July 15th, 2020. The nurses were then randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Initially, a checklist was utilized to assess both groups' fall prevention activities for older patients. Subsequently, the intervention group received workshop training, while no specific intervention was provided to the control group. After a two-week period, the fall prevention behaviors were reassessed in both groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 16, employing independent t-tests, paired t-tests, chi-square tests, and analysis of covariance.Results: Prior to training, the mean score for nurses' fall prevention behaviors was 12.31±4.12. Following the training, the mean score significantly increased to 26.78±3.41 (p<0.001). Furthermore, after controlling for underlying characteristics such as ward and job experience, as well as baseline values, significant changes in mean scores between the control and intervention groups were identified (p<0.001).Conclusion: Workshop training sessions tailored to nurses' needs can effectively enhance their implementation of fall prevention behaviors for elderly patients. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct similar comprehensive training interventions for nurses to mitigate falls and their associated complications among hospitalized elderly individuals.

Keywords

• falling
• preventive behaviors
• elderly
• nurse