Nurses’ perceptions of fall risk factors and fall prevention strategies in acute care settings in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to explore nurses’ perceptions of the factors associated with falls and of fall prevention strategies in acute care settings in Saudi Arabia. Design: This is a cross-sectional, correlational, descriptive study. Methods: Data were collected from 102 nurses using a survey on the risk factors and prevention strategies of injurious falls. Results: We found that impaired balance and muscle strength, limited mobility, and an inability to follow safety instructions were reported as the top factors in falls. Multidisciplinary fall prevention strategies are effective in reducing the prevalence of falls. Nurses with higher levels of education had higher perceptions towards the risk factors of falls. Formal patient safety training, including fall prevention education programmes, were shown to reduce falls by making nurses more aware of fall risk factors and prevention strategies. The findings of this study can be used to inform managers about factors that may contribute to falls in acute care settings.