A FEASIBILITY STUDY: IMPLEMENTATION OF A SAFETY ASSESSMENT TOOL TO ASSIST CLINICIANS IN COMMU

Patients with neurological disorders often have safety risks, which may make it difficult to function safely at home. Currently, there are limited standardized, personcentered, multi-risk assessment tools used to help identify safety risks among patients with neurological disorders. The purpose of this feasibility study was to identify safety risks in patients with various neurological disorders through the implementation of a 9-question safety assessment tool created by the author of this study and a team of neurologists. Tool usage should facilitate communication among patients, nurses, and providers, enabling engagement of appropriate resources to mitigate risks. The sample consisted of patients with various neurologic disorders seen in a general hospital’s neurology clinic in the San Fernando Valley. Following IRB approval from the medical institution, patients completed the safety assessment questionnaire in clinic prior to being seen by their provider. Neurologists, residents, and a nurse practitioner reviewed the form prior to meeting with the patient. Identified risks were discussed privately with the patient during the clinic visit and noted as discussed on the safety assessment questionnaire. Complete data were collected during 86% (670) of 779 patient encounters (M = 85%, SD = 15%). At least one risk factor was documented in almost half (49%) of patient encounters. When a risk factor was identified, this was almost always addressed by clinicians (93% of the time). iv An evidence-based checklist identifying common risk factors directs both clinicians and patients to focus on reducing and mitigating risk factors and promotes patient safety by centering discussion on modifiable risks and direct treatment. Implementation of a safety assessment tool opens patient-centered discussions and modifies patients’ and clinicians’ behavior, which may positively impact patient outcomes.