Authors

  1. Kaiser, Jennifer PhD, MSN, RN
  2. Wills, Nicole MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC
  3. Reilly, Therese MBA, MS, BS
  4. Pratt, Jessica MSN, RN, CNRN, NE-BC
  5. Tumbleson, Valerie MSN, RN, CNRN, NE-BC
  6. Niemeyer, Marissa BSN, RN
  7. Mindling, Glenna BSN, RN, ONC

Abstract

Background: To ensure successful integration and implementation of evidence into practice, validation of measures and interventions should be performed in the population and setting in which they will be used.

 

Purpose: This article provides a method for evaluating the predictive performance of a risk tool using the Hester Davis fall risk tool as an example.

 

Methods: A retrospective matched-pairs sample of fallers and nonfallers was created. Psychometric properties were calculated using 2 x 2 contingency tables and compared to data in the original report.

 

Results: In this study sample, the risk tool showed minimal ability to distinguish patients at risk for falling from those not at risk.

 

Conclusions: Organizations are urged to assess the performance of risk tools in their own patient population. This article provides a practical approach for the validation of evidence into the practice setting.