Fall risk and pressure injuries assessment : Nurses knowledge and attitude, a qualitative study!

Abstract

Measuring scales are a successful method for assessing patient safety in previous research. By identifying potential safety hazards or risks, these scales can facilitate the implementation of improved safety measures in healthcare facilities, promoting progress toward enhancing the quality of care and reducing adverse events in clinical settings. Such an approach is particularly valuable in promoting patient safety and quality of care. The aim of this study was to investigate nurses’ documentation concerning fall risk and pressure injuries in general and to investigate how nurses can ensure patient safety and improve the quality of care by examining their knowledge and attitudes toward using the Braden and FRAT measurement scales. Research questions that the author opted to use for this study were: In what ways can the utilization of the Braden and FRAT scales by nurses enhance patient safety and improve the quality of care? What are the facilitators and barriers that influence nurses' utilization of the Braden and FRAT scales? Answers to the research questions were collected through qualitative semi-structured interviews. The interviews were carried out with the help of an interview guide, while the participants were also allowed to make their own elements based on their experiences. Ten nurses working in the acute care district hospital ward in Finland participated in the study. Those who participated were employed as practical and registered nurses. The study discussed here highlights the active participation of nurses in discussions related to falls and pressure injuries in healthcare settings. The study identified barriers that impede the effective utilization of measuring scales and benefits associated with their use and preventive measures implemented by nurses. While the study demonstrated the measures taken by nurses to prevent accidents, it also revealed that certain actions were deficient or flawed, such as conducting patient assessments through visual evaluation rather than the recommended employment of measuring scales. The study findings underscore the need to address the barriers that impede the implementation of measuring scales and promote their effective use in clinical practice to enhance patient safety.