Interventions to Prevent Falls and Injuries in Inpatient Oncology Units: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Background: Individuals with cancer are at a heightened risk of experiencing falls and related injuries during hospitalization.

Purpose: Our aim was to systematically summarize and evaluate the literature examining the effectiveness of fall prevention interventions employed in the oncology inpatient setting.

Methods: Guided by the PRISMA statement, a health librarian conducted searches of 5 databases, which uncovered 1039 unduplicated studies that were screened by 2 independent reviewers. The Quality Improvement Minimum Quality Criteria Set was used to evaluate methodological quality.

Results: The 10 quality improvement studies all included a multifactorial intervention and most based these on an assessment with few targeting cancer-specific factors. Most interventions were staff-focused with a few incorporating the patient's input.

Conclusions: Individualized assessments and interventions enhance care effectiveness when patient care teams and patients are aligned. Nurse rounding and engaging patients improve communication, self-assessment, satisfaction, and adherence, warranting further research and technological advancements.