Authors

1. Spiva, LeeAnna PhD, RN, PLNC
2. Feiner, Therese MSN, RN
3. Jones, Darcia MSN, RN-BC
4. Hunter, Donna MS, RN-BC, ACNS-BC, ANP-BC
5. Petefish, Jayne MS, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN
6. VanBrackle, Lewis PhD

Abstract

Hospitals use sitters as an alternative to reduce patient falls. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a sitter reduction program by examining the differences between sitter use and falls in an acute care hospital. Findings indicate that a significant decrease in sitter use and falls remained constant. Reducing sitter use is possible without significantly increasing fall rates.