Date of Conferral

8-8-2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Dr. Theresa Parenteau

Abstract

Summary Falls are a significant patient safety concern in psychiatric units due to unique risk factors such as impaired cognition, medication side effects, and behavioral issues. This nursing staff education project focused on fall prevention practices among RNs and mental health technicians (MHTs) in a psychiatric hospital by enhancing staff knowledge through a targeted educational intervention. The practice problem addressed inconsistent fall prevention practices stemming from a lack of specialized training, which increased the risk of patient harm, longer hospital stays, and healthcare costs. The purpose of the project was to determine whether an evidence-based educational intervention could enhance nursing staff’s knowledge of fall prevention strategies. The project used a pre-test and post-test design to evaluate knowledge gain and a survey to assess changes in practice. Analytical strategies included descriptive statistics to analyze pre-test and post-test scores and survey responses. The average pre-test scores among RNs and MHTs were 80% and 74.23%, respectively, which increased to 98.46% post-intervention in both groups. Survey results showed 100% of participants agreed that the education affected knowledge and planned to change all prevention practices. This project demonstrated a measurable improvement in staff knowledge and practice intent, supporting existing evidence that education significantly reduces fall rates in healthcare settings. Implications for nursing practice include the need for ongoing, evidence-based training tailored to the specific needs of psychiatric care. Furthermore, the project contributes to positive social change by promoting equitable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive patient safety practices, addressing the diverse needs of vulnerable populations through improved care quality and professional development.

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