Risk of Falling among Critically Ill Patients: Applying Prophylactic Nursing Strategies

Background: Critically ill patients are at increased risk of falls due to factors such as altered mental status, medication effects, mobility limitations, and environmental hazards. Falling can lead to significant morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and increased healthcare costs. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of applying prophylactic nursing strategies on reducing the risk of falling among critically ill patients. Research design: A quazi experimental research design (study-control) was utilized. Setting: This study was carried out in the tropical intensive care unit (ICU) at main Minia university hospital, Minia city, Egypt. Sample: A purposeful sample of 86 critical ill patients divided equally into study and control groups. Tools: Tool I: An interview questionnaire sheet consisted of three parts: Part 1: Demographic data, Part 2: Medical data and Part 3: level of consciousness assessment. Tool II: Morse fall scale (MFS) Assessment. Tool III: Patient outcomes assessment sheet. Results: Shows that only 7% of the study group had experienced fall with a minor injury as compared to 16.3% of the control group post implementation of the prophylactic nursing strategies with statistical significant difference found between the two groups. Regarding length of hospital stay, the findings reflected that 79.1% of the study group stayed less than 5 days in hospital, versus 46.5% of the control group with high statistical significant difference detected between both groups. Conclusion: Prophylactic nursing strategies significantly reduced the risk of falls among critically ill patients of the study group as compared to the control. Recommendation: Further studies are needed to explore long-term effects of these interventions and their impact on various patient populations within critical care environments.