Safety Nursing Practices for Fall Control for Patients Post Internal Fixation Surgeries of the Lower Limb

Mohamed Weheida, Soheir; Mohamed Kamel ELAbasi, Essam; Wagieh, Walaa; Mohamed Mohamed, Heba

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2021.219049

Safety Nursing Practices for Fall Control for Patients Post Internal Fixation Surgeries of the Lower Limb

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Professor of Medical Surgical Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

² Professor of orthopedic and traumatology Orthopedic and Traumatology Department Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University

³ Nursing Instructor Medical Surgical Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhur University

⁴ Lecturer of Medical Surgical Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

10.21608/ejhc.2021.219049

Abstract

Fall control is a vital component for patient safety goal for both hospitals and long term care
facilities. Fall post internal fixation surgeries can result in negative outcomes among patients and
healthcare providers. Aim: the aim of this study is to assess safety nursing practices for fall control
for patients post internal fixation surgeries of the lower limb. Study design: a descriptive research
design. Subject: all available nurses (80 nurses) involved in providing direct care for patients post
internal fixation surgery at El-Hadara Orthopedic and Traumatology University Hospital and
Damanhur National Medical Institute Hospital. Tool: safety nursing practices for fall control for
patients post internal fixation surgeries of the lower limb: observational checklist. Results: this
study showed that 90% of nurses had unsatisfactory level of practice regarding fall control post
internal fixation surgeries. Moreover, it reveals that there is a positive statistical significant
relationship between the safe nurses’ practices and their level of education. Conclusion: this study
concluded that the majority of nurses had unsatisfactory practices regarding environmental safety,
safe use of mobility aids for walking and safe exercises. Recommendation: In-service education
program for nurses about fall control and update procedure manual to be available in each
orthopedic unit.

Keywords