Enhancing Fall Risk Assessment: The Development of Nursing Education on the Modified Dionne’s Egress Test on a Medical Geriatric Unit

Author Department

Patient Care Services; Nursing

Document Type

Article, Peer-reviewed

Publication Date

4-2025

Abstract

Background:

Geriatric falls are common and dangerous. Fall risk screening is one important element to a comprehensive fall reduction program.

Local Problem:

A geriatric inpatient unit in Massachusetts faced high fall rates. Established fall risk screening did not incorporate mobility assessment.

Methods:

This pre-post study explored staff experience, engagement, compliance, and scoring accuracy with implementation of the Modified Dionne’s Egress Test (MDET). Data were collected using staff surveys, training rosters, practice assessments, and tracking sheets. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Interventions:

Staff were educated using a clinical pathway tool, in-person training, and reference materials. MDET implementation occurred over 6 months, beginning April 2023.

Results:

Pre-intervention, staff largely viewed the MDET favorably. Post-intervention surveys revealed declining satisfaction. Staff demonstrated low training engagement (24%), low compliance (16%), and moderate scoring accuracy (75%).

Conclusion:

Within geriatric units, MDET implementation faces significant challenges. More work is needed to support routine patient mobility assessment.

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