E-learning for Hospital Staff on the Prevention of In-Hospital Falls at the North Estonia Medical Centre

Introduction.

Inpatient falls are the most common patient safety incident. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises falls as a significant public health issue and highlights the need for coordinated, evidence-based prevention strategies, including staff training. A multifactorial approach—including fall risk assessment, engagement of staff and patients, environmental modifications, and implementation of preventive measures—significantly reduces fall rates when combined with training activities. Studies have shown that e-learning-based training for healthcare professionals improves knowledge and supports the prevention of in-hospital falls in clinical practice. 

Aim.

To present the in-hospital fall prevention e-learning developed at North Estonia Medical Centre. 

Methods.

As part of development activities at North Estonia Medical Centre, an interactive e-learning programme primarily aimed at nurses and care assistants was developed in 2022, based on the hospital’s existing guidelines. The e-learning covered fall risk assessment, preventive measures, post-fall actions, and incident documentation. Clinical case examples and self-assessment questions were used to support independent and flexible learning. 

Results.

A total of 3576 staff members completed the e-learning. In the nurse, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist group (n = 1803), 1123 participants (62.3%) passed the knowledge test, while 680 (37.7%) did not. In the care assistant group (n = 1773), 537 participants (30.3%) passed and 1236 (69.7%) did not. 

Conclusions.

The results of the care assistant knowledge test highlighted the need to adjust the language and content of the e-learning assessment component and provide additional explanations to better support learning among staff with varying levels of education and experience.

Based on feedback from the e-learning, a practical instructor-led training course with hands-on exercises was also developed for the hospital’s care assistants in 2025. 

Keywords. Inpatient falls; fall prevention; staff education; patient safety. 

References. 

1. Horová, J., Brabcová, I., & Bejvančická, P. (2021). E-learning as an Effective Method in the Prevention of Patient Falls. Zdravstveno varstvo, 60(4), 253–259. https://doi.org/10.2478/sjph-2021-0034 ;
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3. Schwendimann R, Buhler H, De Geest S & Milisen K. The effectiveness of a multidisciplinary quality improvement activity for accidental fall prevention: Staff compliance is critical. BMC Health Services Research, 2012;12:197;
4. World Health Organization. Step Safely: Strategies for preventing and managing falls across the life-course. Geneva: WHO; 2021.