An assessment tool to determine in-hospital newborn fall/drop risk

Abstract

Objective: Routinely collected quality improvement data identified the occurrence of newborn falls/drops as unacceptable. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop and implement a site-specific newborn fall/drop assessment tool.Methods: Guided by data from the retrospective chart review data, results identified through the review of the literature, and the opinions of clinical experts, an 11-item risk assessment tool was developed. This tool includes three non-modifiable and eight modifiable variables.Results: Summing the items on the tool identifies a scenario specific newborn fall/drop risk. Once pilot testing was completed and revisions were made, the tool was implemented into clinical practice.Conclusions: Site-specific patient demographics, including cultural preferences, along with plans of care decisions, impact the risk for a newborn fall/drop. Including the uniqueness of the clinical setting and family values in the fall risk assessment decreased the prevalence of newborn falls/drops at the study site.