Use of the Nursing Outcomes Classification for Falls and Fall Prevention by Nurses in South Korea

Abstract

PURPOSE: To estimate the use of the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) for falls and fall prevention. METHODS: This cross-sectional, descriptive study enrolled 196 registered nurses in South Korea. FINDINGS: Outcome assessments for falls and fall prevention were performed for 30–50% of hospitalized patients. The NOC outcomes related to falls and fall prevention were used more in surgical units than medical units. CONCLUSIONS: The performance rates of the outcomes related to falls and fall prevention were not high in hospitalized patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Strategies should be developed to increase the use of the NOC by nurses for fall prevention. In this way, nurses’ contributions to patient outcomes would be recognized and the safety of patients would be enhanced.