Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong SL (1), KY Man (1), Leung KN (1), Wan HY (1), Wong LY (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital
Introduction :
Falls pose a significant concern in healthcare, with many institutions focusing fall prevention training for regular staff while overlooking the role of nursing students, who are integral to patient mobility and care. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated this issue by limiting clinical exposure, impairing students' ability to recognize fall risks and implement preventive strategies. In our department, fall incidents have increased since 2022, with a notable proportion occurring during care activities involving nursing students, often linked to underestimating patient capacities or insufficient application of preventive measures. To address this, we launched a mandatory 40-minute induction program for nursing students in 2023, aiming to enhance their safety awareness and foster a culture of safety in high-risk settings.
Objectives :
The program aimed to equip nursing students with the skills to identify fall risk factors, implement prevention strategies, and respond effectively to high-risk patient situations. We hoped these initiatives would reduce fall incidents and improve overall patient safety.
Methodology :
A total of 122 nursing students enrolled in the EN/RN curriculum, along with 31 TUNS students from the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, participated in the program from January 2023 to December 2024. The training consisted of a 10-minute environmental tour highlighting clinical risks, a 10-minute discussion to address gaps in fall prevention knowledge, and 20 minutes of department-specific strategies, focusing on reporting, team communication, and practical skills in four critical areas: toileting, mobilization, equipment use, and patient communication. Previous fall cases were discussed to promote critical thinking, and supplementary resources were provided for revision. Self-confidence in fall prevention and fall rates were monitored, with satisfaction surveys conducted for feedback.
Result & Outcome :
The training led to a 50% reduction in fall incidents, with cases decreasing from 14 in 2022 to 7 in 2023 and 8 in 2024. Incidents related to nursing student improprieties decreased from 43% to 21%. Students showed improved awareness and competency, with 82% indicating that previous training primarily focused on universal precautions. All participants found the specialized risk strategies valuable, contributing positively to their professional development. A paired t-test revealed a significant increase in self-confidence, with scores rising from an average of 5.6 (SD = 1.7) pre-training to 9.2 (SD = 0.9) post-training (p < 0.01). Nursing staff also reported a strengthened "speak up" culture, with students becoming more proactive in advocating for patient safety, which enhanced teamwork and collaboration.
Conclusion:
Incorporating nursing students into fall prevention training fosters a proactive approach to patient safety, ensuring consistent practices among frontline staff and cultivating a sustainable safety culture within healthcare environments.
