International Journal of Nursing

The Relationship between the Usability of fall Prevention Tools and Characteristics of Nurses
Akiko Hiyama

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to clarify in which situations fall risk assessment tools are used, the relationship between the usefulness of a tool and its characteristics, and the reasons for judgments of usefulness. Methods: Participants were ward nurses and were asked to return their answered questionnaires. Data were collected from anonymous questionnaires and included into background characteristics, situations in which a tool was used and the usability of the fall risk assessment tool and the fall preventive plan tool. Results: A total of 705 nurses completed the survey. Of the respondents, 91.2% used a fall risk assessment tool, of which 93.5% concerned a scoring system. The use of the tool at the plan was 56.5%. Regarding the usefulness of the tool, advantages concerned satisfactory assessment, assistance for planning, and evaluation viewpoint, but there were also many disadvantages concerning poor accuracy and evidence of clinical effect. Conclusion: It was a type that most of the assessment tool which most of respondents used an assessment tool and used were types of the scoring. The group with 16 years or more of nursing experience did not find the tool useful. The advantages and disadvantages of the fall prevention tool have become clear.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijn.v6n1a11