PA005 Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation

Student Name

University

NURS 6050 Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health

Prof. Name

Date

Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation: Falls and Incident/Accident Reporting at Crestpark Nursing Home, LLC, Spring of 2021

Description

Within nursing homes, falls and incidents are inevitable occurrences. However, it is the responsibility of healthcare professionals to protect residents and minimize these incidents. The prevention of falls is crucial due to the high rate of associated injuries. This evaluation focuses on the effectiveness of fall prevention and incident/accident reporting policies at Crestpark Nursing Home, LLC.

Healthcare Program/Policy Outcomes

The primary outcomes of our fall prevention and incident/accident policies are straightforward: to prevent falls and, consequently, reduce fall-related injuries. While falls are common in long-term care facilities due to age-related decline in strength, our aim is to assess each fall comprehensively as a team, determining its cause and devising preventive measures for the future.

Success of the Healthcare Program/Policy

Success is measured through scheduled Quality Improvement (QI) meetings involving various healthcare professionals within our facility. Through comprehensive evaluations of individual cases and overall trends, along with input from staff, residents, and families, we identify weaknesses in the policies. Success is achieved when fall rates decrease significantly or remain minimal.

Number of People Reached

Approximately 300 individuals were affected by the evaluation, including residents, staff members, and families. Changes made to policies aim to enhance the quality of care for residents and consider the perspectives of their families.

Timing of the Evaluation

Quarterly evaluations/QI meetings are standard practice at Crestpark Nursing Home, LLC, with additional assessments conducted as needed. The March 2021 evaluation marked the first meeting in nearly 7 months due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Data Sources

Data for the evaluation were sourced from incident/accident reports, resident charts, hospital records, and imaging reports, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each fall incident.

Potential Benefits and Unintended Consequences

One benefit of the evaluation was the requirement for immediate notification of falls to designated personnel, enhancing support for novice nurses and ensuring prompt assessment of residents. However, unintended consequences included feelings of incompetence among seasoned nurses, which were addressed through team discussions.

Stakeholders Involved

Stakeholders involved in the evaluation included residents, families, nursing staff, administration, and the social worker. The primary beneficiary of the evaluation results is the residents, whose safety and well-being are paramount.

Evaluation of Success

The evaluation indicates success, with a decrease in fall numbers and improved mobility and independence among residents. Continued assessment and refinement of policies are planned to further enhance safety measures.

Recommendation for Continuation

Continuation of the current policy is recommended, given its positive impact on resident safety and the reduction in fall incidents. Further refinements may be considered based on ongoing evaluations and feedback.

Involvement in Future Evaluations

As a nurse advocate, involvement in future evaluations could include reaching out to residents’ families for feedback and spending more time on the floor to gain firsthand experience of policy implementation challenges and successes.

NURS 6050 Assessment 1 PA005 Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation