Implementing a Fall Prevention Protocol to Reduce Fall Rates Among Inpatients With Cancer

Background: Globally in healthcare delivery, inpatient falls and fall-related injuries contribute to unsafe patient care environments. On two inpatient oncology units, the frequency of patient falls had increased, despite the use of a fall screening tool.

Objectives: This project aimed to determine whether implementing the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) 3B Scheduled Rounding Protocol would reduce the average daily fall rate and number of fall-related injuries on two adult inpatient oncology units.

Methods: This quantitative, quasi-experimental quality improvement project evaluated the implementation of the AHRQ protocol to reduce the average fall rate and number of fall-related injuries for adult patients with cancer.

Findings: The average daily fall rate decreased following implementation of the AHRQ protocol, indicating clinical significance. This project’s results suggest that implementing a standard fall prevention protocol can reduce the rate of patient falls.