Date of Conferral
1-19-2026
Date of Award
January 2026
Degree
Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.)
School
Health Sciences
Advisor
Miriam Ross
Abstract
Patient falls in skilled nursing homes highlight the need for effective, evidence-based strategies to reduce falls and improve residents' quality of life. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify administrative strategies for reducing patient falls within skilled nursing facilities. The review question centered on the most effective strategies and best practices that healthcare administrators can use to reduce patient falls and injuries and increase patient satisfaction. The Donabedian model served as the theoretical framework, providing a strong foundation for evaluating health services and quality of care to reduce patient falls. A comprehensive literature review identified 50 relevant articles, and 25 peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2025 were selected for in-depth analysis using the John Hopkins evidence-based practice model. Further analysis identified six main themes and eight subthemes related to problem-solving strategies for fall prevention. The six main themes were: improve organizational culture, foster teamwork, establish protocols to educate staff, improve facility navigation without barriers, strengthen patient-centered care, and facilitate staff responsibility related to safety protocols. Key subthemes were: promote staff collaboration, strengthen IDT communication, and enforce consistent compliance practices. Three recommendations emerged from the analysis: (a) establish comprehensive employee training programs and patient education, (b) evaluate and use fall risk devices that are customized for each patient, and (c) use fall assessment tools to achieve a better quality of life. The findings indicated that the adoption of targeted fall prevention strategies – along with Donabedian quality processes – may lead to improvements in patient care, which can facilitate positive social change for patients, staff, and families.
Recommended Citation
Tinsley, Kianna J., "Best Practices to Reduce Patient Falls in Skilled Nursing Facilities in Virginia" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 18984.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/18984
