Development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive fall risk program

PURPOSE: The purpose was to develop and implement I'M SAFE, a comprehensive patient fall-risk assessment tool linked to a tiered-intervention falls prevention program. DESIGN AND METHOD: A fall-risk evaluation tool was incorporated into electronic nurse documentation along with risk-specific nursing interventions. RESULTS: Intrinsic fall rates declined significantly (preimplementation: .67 falls/1,000 patient days; postimplementation: .51 falls/1,000 patient days, p = .015) and has been sustained 2 years following implementation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The I'M SAFE tool identifies patients at increased risk for falls. When linked to a multidisciplinary fall prevention program, the incidence of preventable falls can be reduced. The program's impact has persisted across two facilities.