Publication Date
Spring 3-18-2026
Presentation Length
Poster/Gallery presentation
College
Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing
Department
Nursing, School of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Wofford
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
ONC-SAFE: Oncology-Specific Fall Prevention Initiative
Aubry Townzen, Stella Chigbrow, Katie McBride, Peyton Bolin
ONC-SAFE aims to decrease fall rates and fall-related injuries on an inpatient oncology unit by improving staff adherence to bed alarm activation for high-risk patients through the use of doorframe reminder posters and targeted staff education. Falls are a significant patient safety concern in oncology populations due to cancer- and treatment-related risk factors such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, anemia, orthostatic hypotension, fatigue, muscle weakness, cognitive changes, and medication effects, including opioids, sedatives, and antiemetics. Hospitalized oncology populations identify impaired mobility, treatment-related symptoms, and medication effects as primary predictors of inpatient falls, highlighting the need for targeted, unit-specific prevention strategies (Zhao et al., 2022).
This nurse-led project is supported by unit leadership and implemented through brief staff education sessions conducted during scheduled unit meetings. The education sessions focus on oncology patient–specific fall risk factors, proper risk assessment, and consistent bed alarm activation for high-risk patients. Doorframe reminder posters in patient rooms provide visual cues prompting staff to activate appropriate bed alarms.
Implementation over six months with monthly checkpoints evaluates progress and addresses potential barriers such as alarm fatigue or workflow interruptions. Outcomes measures include falls per 1,000 patient-days, fall-related injury rates, bed alarm compliance audits, and staff surveys assessing the implementation process and staff perceptions. The targeted outcome is a measurable reduction in falls per 1,000 patient-days and improved bed alarm compliance among staff on the oncology unit. Sustainability will be supported by incorporating reminder posters into standard admission room setups and reinforcing fall-prevention practices during regular unit safety huddles.
References
Zhao, X., Kim, H., & Kim, J. (2022). Risk factors for inpatient falls among patients with cancer: A systematic review. Supportive Care in Cancer, 30(5), 3881–3894. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06752-9
Spoelstra, S. L., Given, B. A., & Given, C. W. (2012). Fall prevention in hospitalized cancer patients: An integrative review. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 16(4), 448–454. https://doi.org/10.1188/12.CJON.448-454
Recommended Citation
townzen, aubry C.; Chigbrow, Stella; McBride, Katie; and Bolin, Payton, "ONC-SAFE: Oncology-Specific Fall Prevention Initiative" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 646.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/646
Included in
Chemicals and Drugs Commons, Education Commons, Interprofessional Education Commons, Medical Specialties Commons, Nursing Commons
