Advisor(s)
Jamie Hunsicker, DNP
Ohio Northern University
Nursing, Health & Behavioral Sciences
j-hunsicker@onu.edu
Megan Lieb, DNP
Ohio Northern University
Nursing, Health & Behavioral Sciences
m-lieb.2@onu.edu
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
22-4-2022 1:00 PM
End Date
April 2022
Abstract
Problem: Falls occur in 3% of hospitalized patients. Falls that are injurious increase the cost of the patient’s stay for both the individual and the hospital and it also lengthens their stay. Patients who are confused are at an increased risk of falling. One intervention used to reduce the risk of falls in confused patients is constant observation.
Purpose: The purpose of the project is to determine if live sitters are more effective in decreasing falls and the length of stay for hospital patients compared to tele sitters.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design will be used for this experiment. For this study, two medical floors of the hospital will be used, one utilizing tele sitters and the other using live sitters. The length of stay for each patient who requires a sitter and number of falls on each unit will be compared. Participants of this study include any patient in need of a sitter excluding those indicated for suicide. Chart reviews will be done every six months for two years to review the trends of falls on the floor.
Conclusion: Constant observation may be used to prevent patient falls and decrease length of stay for patients. This impacts clinical practice by providing safer care to those who require constant observation for confusion. Through these findings, the hospitals can also save for more money by decreasing falls and better utilize staff.
Recommended Citation
Halloran, Megan, "Sitter Type and Their Impact on Fall Rates" (2022). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 9.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2022/posters/9
Restricted
Available to ONU community via local IP address and ONU login.
Sitter Type and Their Impact on Fall Rates
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem: Falls occur in 3% of hospitalized patients. Falls that are injurious increase the cost of the patient’s stay for both the individual and the hospital and it also lengthens their stay. Patients who are confused are at an increased risk of falling. One intervention used to reduce the risk of falls in confused patients is constant observation.
Purpose: The purpose of the project is to determine if live sitters are more effective in decreasing falls and the length of stay for hospital patients compared to tele sitters.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design will be used for this experiment. For this study, two medical floors of the hospital will be used, one utilizing tele sitters and the other using live sitters. The length of stay for each patient who requires a sitter and number of falls on each unit will be compared. Participants of this study include any patient in need of a sitter excluding those indicated for suicide. Chart reviews will be done every six months for two years to review the trends of falls on the floor.
Conclusion: Constant observation may be used to prevent patient falls and decrease length of stay for patients. This impacts clinical practice by providing safer care to those who require constant observation for confusion. Through these findings, the hospitals can also save for more money by decreasing falls and better utilize staff.