Deakin University
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

The 6-PACK programme to decrease fall-related injuries in acute hospitals: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

journal contribution
posted on 2011-06-01, 00:00 authored by A Barker, C Brand, T Haines, K Hill, S Brauer, Damien Jolley, Mari BottiMari Botti, R Cumming, Trish LivingstonTrish Livingston, C Sherrington, Silva ZavarsekSilva Zavarsek, R Morello, J Kamar
Background and aims In-hospital fall-related injuries are a source of personal harm, preventable hospitalisation costs, and access block through increased length of stay. Despite increased fall prevention awareness and activity over the last decade, rates of reported fall-related fractures in hospitals appear not to have decreased. This cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to determine the efficacy of the 6-PACK programme for preventing fall-related injuries, and its generalisability to other acute hospitals.

Methods 24 acute medical and surgical wards from six to eight hospitals throughout Australia will be recruited for the study. Wards will be matched by type and fall-related injury rates, then randomly allocated to the 6-PACK intervention (12 wards) or usual care control group (12 wards). The 6-PACK programme includes a nine-item fall risk assessment and six nursing interventions: ‘falls alert’ sign; supervision of patients in the bathroom; ensuring patient’s walking aids are within reach; establishment of a toileting regime; use of a low-low bed; and use of bed/chair alarm. Intervention wards will be supported by a structured implementation strategy. The primary outcomes are fall and fall-related injury rates 12 months following 6-PACK implementation.

Discussion This study will involve approximately 16 000 patients, and as such is planned to be the largest hospital fall prevention RCT to be undertaken and the first to be powered for the important outcome of fall-related injuries. If effective, there is potential to implement the programme widely as part of daily patient care in acute hospital wards where fall-related injuries are a problem.

History

Journal

Injury prevention

Volume

17

Issue

4

Pagination

1 - 6

Publisher

B M J Group

Location

London, England

ISSN

1353-8047

eISSN

1475-5785

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal; C Journal article

Copyright notice

2011, B M J Group

Usage metrics

    Research Publications

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC