The incidences of falls are a major impediment to the quality of care and the safety of the patients. It is important to recognize the role of previous literature that has explored how falls can be minimized and how the quality of care can be optimized. However, in research, the choice of literature for use in a study is a crucial element of the research process. It is the first point on which the researcher can expound on the topic and provide a background and justification for their study. Poor choice of literature will comprises the quality of evidence and the ultimate quality of the study (Grove, Burns & Gray, 2014). In this case, the search for literature on patient falls and the need for quality improvement were limited to the renowned databases namely PubMed and BioMed Central which are credible sources. In the search, the following key words were utilized; inpatient falls, hospital acquired illnesses/infections, accidental falls, fall prevention.
The sources selected were limited to the period between 2009 and 2016 to ensure relevance of the data and evidence that is more reflective of the contemporary situation. All sources that did not provide or dwell on prevention measures or quality improvement were eliminated. These include any sources that sought to investigate the patterns and trends of falls without offering any strategies for reducing the cases of falls. Both qualitative and quantitative research articles were conducted relevant for the study as .ling as they met the other criteria patterns whether on structural strategies, technical strategies or policy strategies for reducing the number of falls (Grove, Burns & Gray, 2014). The researchers will only utilize full articles and no abstracts will be sued for this study.
Data Analysis section
The target is to utilize a survey design based on the review of relevant literature. A total of six sources deemed to have met the criteria for inclusion and exclusion will be used. The analysis will be based on theming of the sources along the aspects of structural and policy strategies for fall prevention.
References
Grove, S. K., Burns, N., & Gray, J. R. (2014). Understanding nursing research: Building an evidence-based practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.
