Nursing competences in the prevention of falls in children in light of the galway consensus

Objective: to analyze nurses’ abilities regarding the prevention of falls in hospitalized children in light of the Galway Consensus. Method: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 nurses who worked in the open hospitalization units of a pediatric hospital. Data collection was performed through the application of a questionnaire with validated content. The actions performed by the nurses, according to the fall prevention protocol, were related to the eight domains of the Galway health promotion competency model. Statistical analysis and professional performance analysis were performed. Result: the domain of competence leadership was present in all actions (15). The other areas of competence were presented in the following frequencies: advocacy (9 actions), catalyzing changes (6 actions), implementation (6 actions), planning (3 actions), partnerships (3 actions), needs assessment (2 actions) and impact assessment (2 actions). Conclusion: the competence domains were considered in at least two fall prevention actions. The importance of the identification of nurses’ competences in the prevention of falls of hospitalized children is highlighted, aiming to improve the quality of care and, consequently, to reduce unsafe actions.