Date of Conferral
8-22-2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Management
Advisor
Mary Catherine Garner
Abstract
This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project proposal targets fall reduction and injury prevention in a Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). The initiative implements a non-restrictive, evidence-based fall prevention program that excludes side rails and bed alarms, emphasizing systematic patient safety and personalized care. Falls are a major safety concern at the VAMC due to ineffective traditional methods, inconsistent assessments, and reliance on restraints, contributing to high fall rates and increased healthcare costs. The project successfully achieved consensus from an interprofessional team on developing a comprehensive fall reduction program. Evidence indicates that removing restrictive devices enhances staff engagement and protocol adherence, leading to improved patient respect and comfort. Key strategies include proactive rounding, regular education, interdisciplinary meetings, decision support tools, and ongoing incident reporting. This initiative aims to transform nursing practice to provide individualized, inclusive, and restraint-free care, ensuring respectful and tailored healthcare for all patients, particularly vulnerable veterans.
Recommended Citation
Pierce, Jessica, "Transforming Fall Prevention Using a Systems-Wide Approach" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 18234.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/18234
