Title : Reducing falls in long-term care using the fall tips toolkit
Abstract:
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and hospitalizations among older adults, posing a significant challenge in long-term care facilities. In Texas, fall-related incidents remain one of the most cited deficiencies during state inspections. This quality improvement project aimed to implement the Fall TIPS (Tailoring Interventions for Patient Safety) Toolkit in a long-term care facility to reduce the incidence of falls among older residents. The Fall TIPS Toolkit integrates evidence-based practices, including individualized risk assessments, customized care plans, and visual cues to prevent falls. Using Lewin’s Change Management Model, this project was conducted over ten weeks, with eight weeks dedicated to intervention. The population included medically stable older adults in a long-term care facility. Weekly staff audits, real-time feedback, and interdisciplinary huddles supported formative evaluation. Summative outcomes were measured by comparing fall rates before and after implementation, along with qualitative feedback from residents, staff, and families. Results revealed a reduction in fall incidents and an increase in staff adherence to fall prevention protocols. The implementation of the toolkit not only improved residents’ safety and independence but also contributed to streamlined workflows for nursing staff, enhanced regulatory compliance, and improved facility quality metrics. This presentation will discuss the project's methodology, outcomes, and implications for nursing practice. It will also explore strategies to sustain the intervention and integrate fall prevention into routine care. The Fall TIPS Toolkit demonstrates how nurse-led interventions grounded in evidence and supported by change theory can enhance patient safety and improve quality of care in long-term care settings.
