Outcomes from the implementation of a facility-specific evidence-based falls prevention intervention program in residential aged care.
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.
Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
Jennifer
J
Nitz
Elizabeth
E
Cyarto
Sharon
S
Andrews
Marcia
M
Fearn
Stephanie
S
Fu
Terrence
T
Haines
Betty
B
Haralambous
Keith
K
Hill
Susan
S
Hunt
Emma
E
Lea
Kirsten
K
Moore
Emma
E
Renehan
Andrew
A
Robinson
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D009735:Nursing Homes