The statement regarding the combination approach being the best strategy to address the issue of patient falls on a rehabilitation floor is highly valid and well-supported

QUESTION

I believe a combination approach would be best in this situation. Fowler (2021) reports many similarities exist between research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement. While there is no one approach which is better than the others, all approaches work together to determine what works best for this patient group. Research should first be conducted to identify appropriate options, as well as gain understanding of evidence-based practices, which can then be implemented as quality improvement. However, quality improvement may require a “fundamental change”, requiring a completely new process (Fondahn et al., 2016). To reduce patient falls on this unit, an approach which combines research, evidence, and quality improvement would be best as these three tactics often have similar rationales, just different methodology.

What is your statement/feedback on this statement. Please add 1 reference. Thank you.

FYI, this is the question of this answer: You are assigned to a quality team on a rehabilitation floor where patient falls are on the rise. What strategy would be best to approach this issue—quality improvement, evidence-based practice, or research? Support your choice with one or two examples and one or two references. 

ANSWER

Statement/Feedback

The statement regarding the combination approach being the best strategy to address the issue of patient falls on a rehabilitation floor is highly valid and well-supported. Fowler (2021) highlights the similarities that exist between research, evidence-based practice (EBP), and quality improvement (QI) approaches, emphasizing that they complement each other in determining the most effective interventions for patient care.

In the context of reducing patient falls on the rehabilitation floor, a combination approach involving research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement can yield comprehensive and sustainable results. Here’s why:

Research: Conducting research is the initial step in understanding the underlying factors contributing to the increasing patient falls on the rehabilitation floor. By conducting a thorough investigation, data can be collected to identify trends, risk factors, and potential root causes of the falls. For instance, researchers can analyze patient demographics, fall incidents, and environmental factors to gain insights into the problem.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): Following the research phase, evidence-based practice comes into play. EBP involves critically evaluating the available evidence to identify interventions that have been proven effective in reducing falls in similar patient populations. For example, existing literature may highlight the benefits of implementing fall risk assessment tools, mobility protocols, and environmental modifications as effective EBP strategies to prevent falls.

Quality Improvement (QI): The combination approach allows the quality team to leverage evidence-based interventions identified from research and EBP to drive quality improvement initiatives. QI involves systematically implementing and monitoring interventions to enhance patient care and outcomes. For instance, the team can establish fall prevention protocols, educate staff on the importance of fall prevention, and consistently monitor fall rates to assess the effectiveness of the implemented strategies.

Fondahn et al. (2016) support the idea that quality improvement may require fundamental changes, indicating that the combination approach is well-suited for addressing the complex issue of patient falls. A combination of these three tactics allows the quality team to implement evidence-based interventions based on research findings while simultaneously monitoring and modifying the approach through quality improvement efforts.

Conclusion

The statement advocating for a combination approach involving research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement to address the issue of patient falls on a rehabilitation floor is well-founded. By integrating these approaches, the quality team can utilize research findings to inform evidence-based interventions and continuously improve care through quality improvement initiatives. This comprehensive strategy provides a robust framework to identify and implement effective fall prevention measures, leading to enhanced patient safety and improved outcomes on the rehabilitation floor.