Testing the effects of a pharmaceutical program on fall rates in older adults.
A pretest-posttest no control group design was used to test knowledge on fall incidence in residents of a rehabilitation center. Twenty-six staff nurses were educated on fundamental geriatric pharmacology. Results of a two-tailed t test showed a significant increase in posttest scores (t test(50) = 3.53, p = .003). Retrospective fall and medication data collected over 2 months in 2011 and 2 months in 2012 were compared. The incidence of falls decreased (44.7%) with total number of residents falling (30.7%) post intervention in 2012. Staff nurses need to have continuing pharmaceutical education and medication management classes about the elderly.
Joanne Marie Zanetos, DNP, MSN, RN, is Associated Clinical Faculty at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, and Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kathleen Mary Lux, PhD, RN, ANPD, CHES, is Associate Professor, Capital University, Columbus, Ohio. Luann G. Richardson, PhD, CRNP, is Assistant Professor, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Joanne Marie
JM
Zanetos
Kathleen Mary
KM
Lux
Luann G
LG
Richardson
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000328:Adult; D004347:Drug Interactions; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors