1. • In an inpatient/hospital setting, can implementing
hourly patient roundings prevent more falls than
tab and/or bed alarms alone?

2. Study #1
Citation (APA)
Study #1
Olrich, T., Kalman, M.,
& Nigolian, C. (2012).
Hourly Rounding: A
replication Study
[Electronic version].
MedSurg Nursing, 21(1),
23-26.
Study # 1 Theory
Purpose
To determine
the effect of
hourly
rounding on
fall rates, call
light usage,
and patient
satisfaction in
an inpatient
medical/surgic
al population.
Sample
506 bed
teaching
hospital,
two
separate
units
Design
Measurement Results/Conclusions Ranking
QuasiN/A no
Before the study, the IV
experimen specific type
fall rate on the
tal in
of
experimental unit
which data measurement was 3.37/1,000
for pt falls, was used
patient days. The
call light
information
rate decreased to
usage, and was obtained
2.6/1,000 patient
pt
from a call
days with the
satisfactio light
rounding
n prior to
computer
intervention. While
& after
generated
this was not
implementi call-log
significant
ng hourly
database
statistically
rounding
(p=0.672), the 23%
ovr one
reduction in falls was
year
significant clinically
During the introduction of the article, it states, “Hourly rounding now offers a protocol
To delineate actions that result in better patient outcomes,” which then the article
goes on to show how hourly rounding has contributed to reducing the number of patient
falls in hospital settings.

3. Study #2
Citation (APA)
Purpose
Study #2
Hempel, S., Newberry, S.,
Wang, Z., Booth, M.,
Shanman, R., Johnsen, B., &
et al. (2013). Hosptial Fall
Prevention: A Systematic
Review of Implementation,
Adherence, and
Effectiveness [Electronic
version]. Journey of the
American Geriatrics Society,
61(4), 483-494.
To systemically
document the
implementation,
components,
comparators,
adherence, and
effectiveness of
published fall
prevention
approaches in
acute care
hospitals.
Study # 2 Theory
N/A
Sample
Design
Measurement
Results/Conclusions
Use of 5
databases,
several
reference
lists, and
contacting
topic
experts for
studies
published
Systematic
review used
from various
acute care
hospitals fall
rates & fall
prevention
components
compared to
other
hospitals’ by
use of
compiling
already
known
statistics
N/A
Incidence rate
ratios (IRR, ratio
of
fall rate
postintervention
or treatment
group to the fall
rate
preintervention
or control
group) and
ratings of study
details in 5
different
databases. Page
1, Column 1,
paragraph 4.
In those studies that
reported changes, most
were effective in
reducing fall rates with
implementing hourly
rounding
Ranking
I

4. Innovation to be implemented: A risk free fall zone for hospital patients.
Stakeholders identified: Patients, nurses, nurse managers, physicians, therapists, and other support staff
Policy and procedures identified as needed or updated:
Nurses will complete bedside report upon shift change to aide in identifying any potential for falls.
Project Name
Establish Urgency
Create Coalition
Creating a Risk
free fall area
during each shift
Develop an online
training program
consisting of
education materials
to include videos of
demonstrations of
safety equipment
and other safety
measures and ways
to reduce fall risk
Create a Safety
Committee that
consists of nurses,
doctors, Respiratory
Therapy, and
Physical Therapy;
possibly including
housekeeping and
kitchen staff
Develop Vision
Communicate Vision
Empower Action
Generate Shortterm Wins
Consolidate
Gains/Produce More
Anchor Approaches
The medical team
will create and
maintain a risk free
fall environment
daily for patients
throughout the
hospital by
implementing
certain safety
measures and
following through
on each shift by
appropriate staff
staff meeting with
powerpoint
presentation,
handouts, and
demonstration to show
what safety barriers
will be implemented
to reduce risk of falls
and/or fall rates
Face to face
discussion and
demonstration with
staff of safety
measures; clipboard
for suggestions
Keep monthly fall
statistics for unit,
compliance rates for
both patients and
staff and present at
quarterly staff
meeting
Implement in other
areas of hospital,
keeping record of
separate unit fall rates
and measures to reduce
risk of falls, and any
compliance issues
Discuss results of
barriers and success
of implementing
safety barriers at
meetings, have a
unit safety monitor
to ensure unit safety
measurements are
being followed by
staff during each
shift