A Multilevel Investigation of Fall Prevention Behavior Among Nursing Staff of South Korean Geriatric Hospitals

BACKGROUND: There is lack of empirical evidence on whether organizational variables affect the fall prevention behavior of nursing staff working at Korean geriatric hospital. Aim This study aimed to investigate individual and organizational characteristics associated with the fall prevention behavior of nurses and nurse aides.

METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. A convenient sample of 426 clinical nurses and nurse aides from 8 geriatric hospitals in South Korea was recruited between October and November 2019. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to estimate the effects of individual- and organization-level predictors.

RESULTS: The result indicated that fall prevention self-efficacy (β=0.41, p<.001) was a significant individual-level predictor. At the organizational level, Nurse to nurse aides ratio (β=.21, p=.005) and number of patients per physical therapist (β=-.28, p=.014) were significant predictors. Furthermore, there was a significant change of R2 (p=.034) when organizational variables were included in the regression model.

CONCLUSION: To increase fall prevention behavior of nurse and nurse aides, administrators in geriatric hospital should recognize the importance of staffing, such as nurse and physical therapist. Further studies are proposed to investigate the empirical evidence about the association between organizational variables and patient outcomes.