Removing fall prevention alarms in hospitals
Official title: De-Implementing Fall Prevention Alarms in Hospitals
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10906852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether fall prevention alarms in hospitals really help keep patients safe or if they might actually cause more problems, and it’s for patients who want to know how changes in hospital practices could improve their care and comfort.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $494,017 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG073408-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906852 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are hospitalized patients who are currently monitored with fall prevention alarms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not hospitalized or those who do not use fall prevention alarms will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of fall prevention alarms in hospitals, which are designed to alert staff when patients attempt to leave their beds or chairs. The study aims to de-implement these alarms based on evidence showing they do not significantly reduce falls and may even contribute to negative patient outcomes. By analyzing the impact of alarm systems on patient safety and hospital costs, the research seeks to improve care quality and patient experiences. Patients will be monitored to assess the outcomes of removing these alarms in a clinical setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved patient safety and quality of life by eliminating ineffective fall prevention measures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that alarm systems are ineffective in preventing falls, suggesting that this approach to de-implementation is supported by existing evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shorr, Ronald I — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Shorr, Ronald I
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.