Aspiration pneumonia is a serious complication of mechanical ventilation and enteral tube feedings. It results in increased patient mortality, increased length of hospital stay, and increased healthcare costs. This article describes an evidence-based practice approach to the creation of an enteral feeding protocol and an aspiration risk reduction algorithm. These tools were piloted in a Medical Intensive Care Unit at a Midwest tertiary care center. Chart audits show an increase in the percentage of patients who reach their goal rate for enteral feedings from 78% to 85%. Reported aspiration pneumonias decreased from an average count of 4.8 patients per month to 4.3 per month and ventilator-associated pneumonia rates decreased from 6.8 to 3.2 per 1000 patient days.

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Background: Hospital falls remain common despite decades of studies and guidelines to reduce their rate. Research evidence alone is insufficient, and integration of patient values and preferences, clinician expertise and experiences, and organizational culture is needed to ensure sustainable practice changes. Little is known about the best strategies for integrating these constructs to sustain effective fall prevention programs.Aims: Guided by the Comprehensive Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), this study aimed to identify patient, nursing staff, and organizational-level factors that influence effective and sustainable fall prevention strategies with the goal of identifying variables amenable to targeted interventions.Methods: A descriptive research design engaged four oncology units in a Midwestern academic medical center and included patients (N = 39) and nursing staff (N = 70). Questionnaire data were collected from patients with interview assistance, and nursing staff completed a demographic form and two standardized instruments adapted for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and narrative summaries.Results: Findings indicated two-thirds of patients did not see themselves at risk for falling, despite nearly half having a fall history. Nursing staff indicated knowledge gaps related to specific known risks and interventions, and confidence in fall prevention management was lowest for team communication about patient risks and engaging patients and families in preventing falls.Linking Evidence to Action: Engagement of patients in fall risk assessment and management, clear and routine communication among team members, and creating a culture of true engagement with appropriate leadership and resources can potentially improve the sustainability of successful fall prevention programs. The CFIR can guide the planning of fall prevention and other evidence-based practice changes to become hardwired and sustainable over time even with the ongoing introduction of new initiatives.

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