Understanding how to prevent falls in hospitals
What is the Clinical Experience of Maintaining Patient Safety in Hospital in Patients With Temporary or Permanent Loss of Cognitive Function? A Mixed Methods Study
This study is trying to find out what makes it hard to prevent falls in hospitals by talking to healthcare workers about their experiences and ideas for keeping patients safe.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Nottingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Leicester and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06738316 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to identify barriers to preventing accidental falls in hospitals and to gather insights on effective interventions from healthcare workers. By utilizing a purposive sampling strategy, the study will involve healthcare professionals directly engaged in fall prevention efforts across multiple centers. Participants will share their experiences and perceptions regarding fall risk assessments and prevention measures, contributing to a co-created design for future interventions. The study seeks to establish a comprehensive evidence base to improve patient safety for those at high risk of falls.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthcare professionals involved in fall risk assessments and prevention measures in hospital settings.
Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in the care or assessment of fall risks, such as those in critical care or pediatrics, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved fall prevention strategies in hospitals, enhancing patient safety and reducing fall-related injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While there is significant research on fall prevention in community settings, this study aims to fill a gap in hospital-specific interventions, making it a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Any healthcare professional or associated support staff involved in the fall risk assessment of patients on admission to a standard care ward environment in hospital * Any healthcare professional or associated support staff involved in the multifactorial assessment of patients in an acute ward environment * Any healthcare professional or associated support staff involved in putting fall prevention measures in place in an acute ward environment * Any healthcare professional or associated support staff involved in caring for patients and their relatives after an accidental fall in an acute ward environment * Ability to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Any healthcare worker with no medical or surgical ward experience * Any healthcare worker under the age of 18 years old * Any healthcare worker working exclusively in Critical Care or high dependency units or Paediatrics as countermeasures and levels of observation are different in these areas and have separate guidance and policies.
Where this trial is running
Leicester and 2 other locations
- University Hospitals of Leicester — Leicester, United Kingdom (Completed)
- Nottingham University Hospitals — Nottingham, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Northern Care Alliance, Rochdale Care Organisation — Salford, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Janice Christian, RN, Ba(Hons), MBA
- Email: janice.christian@nottingham.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 7900180643
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.