Date of Conferral
2-5-2026
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Jonas Nguh
Abstract
Due to complex neurological deficits that raise the risk of falls, falls among persons admitted to inpatient tele-neurology units represent a substantial and continuous problem in nursing practice. A preliminary evaluation conducted at the project site revealed inconsistent fall prevention procedures, inconsistent use of risk assessments, and a lack of a standardized, evidence based strategy to lower fall risk in this especially susceptible group. A practice focused investigation into whether the adoption of a standardized, nurse led fall prevention bundle would improve staff adherence to fall prevention protocols and lower the incidence of inpatient falls over a six month period served as the basis for this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project. Strengthening nursing practice, enhancing patient safety, and reducing avoidable injury were the goals. After a multifactorial fall prevention bundle was introduced, changes in fall rates and nursing compliance with fall prevention techniques were evaluated using a pre-post project design. Structured fall risk assessments, individualized care plans, deliberate rounds, setting off bed and chair alarms, environmental safety assessments, assistance with safe mobility, and post fall conversations were all included. Standardized expectations and clinical reinforcement were provided by a targeted staff education program. Post implementation results showed a decrease in patient falls, increased staff adherence to standardized interventions, and an improvement in documentation accuracy. These results are in line with recent research that supports multimodal fall prevention techniques for individuals with neurological disabilities. The initiative highlighted the need of structured processes in reducing care variability, as well as the leadership role of nurses in quality improvement and evidence based practices. Improved safety for neurologically susceptible groups, a decrease in avoidable damage, increased interdisciplinary teamwork, and better fairness in fall-prevention strategies across different patient demographics are some of the wider implications for nursing practice and social change.
Recommended Citation
Scott, Tiffany, "Staff Education in Standardizing a Nurse-Led Fall Prevention Bundle to Reduce Inpatient Falls in Teleneurology Units" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 19099.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/19099
