University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Outcomes from the Implementation of a Facility-Specific Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Intervention Program in Residential Aged Care

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 10:22 authored by Nitz, J, Cyarto, E, Sharon AndrewsSharon Andrews, Fearn, M, Fu, S, Haines, T, Haralambous, B, Hill, K, Hunt, S, Emma LeaEmma Lea, Moore, K, Renehan, B, Andrew RobinsonAndrew Robinson
For residents in long-term care facilities, falling is a major concern requiring preventive intervention. A prospective cohort study measured the impact of falls reduction following the implementation of evidence-based fall prevention interventions in 9 Australian residential care facilities. An external project team provided a comprehensive audit of current practice. Facilitated by an action research approach, interventions were individualized to be facility- and patient-specific and included the following: environmental modifications such as low beds and height-adjustable chairs, movement alarms, hazard removal, and hip protectors. Participants included 670 residents and 650 staff from 9 facilities across 3 states. A significant reduction of falls were observed per site in the proportion of fallers (P = .044) and single fallers (P = .04). However, overall the number of falls was confounded by multiple falls in residents. Reduction in fallers was sustained in the 6-month follow-up phase. Positive outcomes from interventions varied between facilities. Further research is necessary to target frequent fallers.

History

Publication title

Geriatric Nursing

Volume

33

Pagination

41-50

ISSN

0197-4572

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

Mosby, Inc.

Place of publication

1600 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, USA

Rights statement

Copyright 2012 Mosby, Inc.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Evaluation of health outcomes

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC