Comfort Rounds Reduce Harm from Falls on 6D
Tower 6D experienced great success in piloting Patient Comfort Rounds earlier this year. As a result of patient hourly checks, the Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant unit has sustained a zero patient falls with injury rate for 11 months since January 2008.
“Research shows that hourly nursing rounds are associated with reduction in falls and increased in patient satisfaction,” said Escel Stanghellini, MSN, RN, quality program manager. “We first piloted Patient Comfort Rounds on Tower 10CD last year. During the four week pilot no falls occurred, and there was an increase in patient satisfaction.”
In addition to sustaining a reduction in falls with injury (67.8 percent to date), and increasing patient satisfaction with nursing care by 1.9 percent, the 6D team also observed a 33 percent reduction in patient call light use during change of shift report, and a slight increase in patient satisfaction with response to call lights.
“We go to patients every hour and ask how they are doing with pain, positioning and comfort,” said Victoria Arthur, patient care assistant. “We also ask if they have ordered a meal and if they need to use the bathroom.”
As a result, patient satisfaction with special or personal needs increased by 2.1 percent and satisfaction with pain management increased by 1.2 percent.
“The patients are very pleased with the consistent interest,” said Lana Callahan, RN, nurse in-charge. “For staff, this pilot has heightened safety awareness.”
Kristen Connolly, RN, added, “We’ve gotten great feedback from patients that they are happy and feel well taken care of.”
Nurses and patient care assistants rotated checking on patients each hour, and pharmacists rounded with the team to review medications of high risk patients.
“The pharmacists are great resources,” said Susan McDonald, RN, nurse in-charge on Tower 6D. “We are a team, and Patient Comfort Rounds is definitely multidisciplinary.”
As a result of the pilot, 6D staff also reported a positive increase in their perception of teamwork and work satisfaction.
“Addressing falls with injuries is a top priority for our hematology/oncology patient population,” said Carolyn Hayes, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, director of Oncology Nursing and Clinical Services at BWH. “The work the 6D nursing staff has done under Escel’s leadership has been a very significant contribution to excellence in patient care in the safest environment.”