Hill-Rom's Bed Exit System with Audible Alarm, used in Conjunction with Falls Protocol: Reduces Falls on a Medical-Surgical Inpatient Unit: A Process Improvement Project.

Abstract

Background: Research is limited regarding utilization of The Hill- Rom bed exit system with audible alarm in conjunction with the hospital protocol to reduce falls among patients admitted to inpatient units in the hospital. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an education program to improve knowledge and skills on zeroing and activation of The Hill-Rom bed exit system with audible alarm in conjunction with hospital protocol to reduce falls rate on a medical-surgical unit of an acute care hospital. Method: A quantitative, descriptive correlational design (n=32) was used to examine the effect of an education program and skills on the pre and post-test scores and post-intervention skills on zeroing and activation of The Hill-Rom bed exit system with audible alarm to falls rate on a medical-surgical unit. Results: A sample t- test was used to examine the effectiveness of education on pre-test and post-test scores. The post-test mean was 2.65 greater, t= 8.048, p=.000. The results were statistically significant with gain of knowledge and skills post intervention. This gain in knowledge and skills was directly related to a 55% decrease in falls rate from 5.8 to 3.2 per 1,000 patient days. A one-way ANOVA examined the difference in means between the knowledge gained of the registered nurses and certified nursing assistants. There was no significant difference within and between groups. Conclusion: Staff education and continued use of The Hill-Rom bed exit system with audible alarm along with the hospital protocol were associated with decrease in falls rates on a medical surgical unit of an academic medical center.