Using a Post Fall Assessment Simulation to Examine Nurse Thought Processes

Latricia Allen; Tatjana Bulat; Constance R Uphold; Theodore Johnson 2nd; Sandra L Winkler

doi:10.1097/NND.0000000000000662

Using a Post Fall Assessment Simulation to Examine Nurse Thought Processes

J Nurses Prof Dev. 2020 Sep/Oct;36(5):266-270. doi: 10.1097/NND.0000000000000662.

Authors

Latricia Allen¹, Tatjana Bulat, Constance R Uphold, Theodore Johnson 2nd, Sandra L Winkler

Affiliation

¹ Latricia Allen, DPM, MPH, FACFOAM, is VA Advanced Geriatric Fellow, Board-Certified Podiatrist, VA Healthcare System Birmingham/Atlanta Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, and Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. Tatjana Bulat, MD, is Director, VISN 8 Patient Safety Center of Inquiry, and Associate Chief of Staff for Geriatrics, Extended and Palliative Care, James A. Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, Florida. Constance R. Uphold, PhD, ARNP, FAAN, is Health Scientist, Associate Director for Implementation and Outcomes Research, VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, and Associate Professor, Department of Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville. Theodore Johnson II MD, MPH, is Associate Director, Birmingham/Atlanta VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Atlanta VA Healthcare System; Professor and Chair of the Emory University Department of Family and Preventive Medicine; and Chief, Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia. Sandra L Winkler, PhD, OTR/L, is Supervisory Research Health Science Specialist, the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, Florida, and Adjunct Professor of Occupational Therapy, Nova Southeastern University, Lauderdale, Florida.

PMID: 32890180
DOI: 10.1097/NND.0000000000000662

Abstract

The prevalence of injurious falls is high in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and a major patient safety issue. The VHA is embracing technology such as simulation to improve patient care. Little is known regarding nurse thought processes while undergoing a post fall assessment simulation in the VHA. This article examines the benefit of using an evidence-based post fall simulation to improve nurse assessment skills while providing opportunity for practice without harm to patients.

MeSH terms

Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data*
Decision Making
Female
Humans
Male
Nurses*
Nursing Process*
Patient Safety*
Quality Improvement*
Risk Factors
Simulation Training*
Surveys and Questionnaires
United States
United States Department of Veterans Affairs