A follow-up study on fall and fracture incidence in long-term care including the role of formal caregiver time on fall incidence rates.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the impact of a fall prevention programme over a 12 month follow-up period after the introduction of a RCT and to describe possible differences between incidence density rate of falls associated with caregiver time during weekends and ordinary working days.


METHODS
Prospective observational study, duration 12 months.


METHODS
Six community nursing homes, Germany.


METHODS
Long-stay residents (n=881); 771 resident years; median age 85.0 years (min 60; max 101); 79.1% female.


METHODS
Incidence density rate of falls and fractures, staff time per resident.


RESULTS
The incidence density rate over all days was 1367/1000 resident years (RY) for falls [95% confidence interval 1041;1693]. The incidence density rate of hip fractures was 29/1000 RY [95% confidence interval 12;45] and 29/1000 RY [95% confidence interval 12;45] for non-hip fractures. The incidence density rate showed similar results comparing weekends/ public holidays vs normal working days; falls 1193 vs 1447/ 1000 RY; hip fractures 25 vs 30/ 1000 RY and other fractures 16 vs 34/1000 RY.


CONCLUSIONS
During the period, we observed a marked decline of the fracture rate compared with the controlled phase of the intervention trial. A lower number of nursing care hours on weekends was not associated with a higher incidence density rate for falls, fallers, or any type of fracture.
Becker
Clemens
C
Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Klinik für Geriatrische Rehabilitation, Auerbachstr. 110, 70397 Stuttgart, Germany.
Loy
S
S
Nikolaus
Th
T
Rissmann
U
U
Rapp
K
K
Lindemann
B
B
Kron
M
M
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000592:standards; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000592:standards; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D013997:Time Factors