Fall Prevention for Geriatric Patients in Nursing Home

Abstract

Purpose:

In long-term facilities, about 50 % of its geriatric patients experience fall each year. There is limited knowledge in the causes and prevention of fall and most of the data are only produced when incidences of fall occur as reported by either the staff or other witnesses. The purpose of this study was to describe the main causes of fall injuries and the ways to prevent falls in nursing homes. It aimed to provide new knowledge that can be utilized by nurses to improve practices to prevent risk for fall on geriatric patients in nursing homes.

Methods:

A qualitative study was utilized as a methodological approach. Descriptive literature review was used as a method. The selected articles were obtained from databases such as PubMed, CINAHL and Medline. A total of fifteen (15) articles were reviewed in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study was analyzed through inductive content analysis.

Results:

The results of the study showed that the main causes of falls in geriatric patients in nursing homes include intrinsic factors, extrinsic factors and situational factors. The practices that could be implemented to prevent falls in geriatric patients in nursing homes were standardized fall prevention programs, safety strategies, education, cooperation and leadership and management.

Conclusion:

Long-term facilities may benefit from looking into the causes and practices that were identified, in which they can apply to their own protocol in their facilities. There is no evidence-based practice specific to nurses. Prevention of fall is already difficult to address and so, more studies need to be made in order to determine which specific practices are most effective in preventing falls in geriatric patients in nursing homes.