Falls Prevention Horizon Scanning Bulletin Volume 1 Issue 4

Research identifies constraints in the work domain that have impact upon patient falls

Source: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 2010 17(3) p. 313-321

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: May 2010

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Research was undertaken to identify factors in the nursing work domain that contribute to the problem of inpatient falls using cognitive work analysis. Four major constraints were identified that inhibit nurses’ ability to prevent patient falls, all relating to work processes and the physical work environment, opposed to safety culture or nursing knowledge, as currently emphasized. Concludes that system redesign strategies aimed at improving work processes and environmental limitations hold promise for decreasing the incidence of falls in inpatient nursing units.

Length of publication: 9 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Prevalence of falls and injury linked to time of day in an acute rehabilitation unit

Source: Rehabilitation Nursing, 2010 35(4) p. 141-147

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: July 2010

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Research in the USA examining falls and injuries in an inpatient acute rehabilitation unit, focusing on the time of day at which they occurred. Significant variation in the prevalence of falls based on time of day and shift were observed. The findings from this study allow for the development of interventions that are appropriate when falls and injury are most prevalent for different clinical populations in the IRU/H setting.

Length of publication: 7 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Safety measures stop any slip ups

Source: Scarborough Evening News

Follow this link for this news story

Date of publication: August 2010

Publication type: News story

In a nutshell: Patient safety at Scarborough Hospital has improved following the introduction of slipper socks for patients to wear when they walk around the ward. The slippers were introduced following a patient safety director walk-round and may be rolled out to other wards.

Length of publication: 1 web page

Diabetes, falls and fractures

Source: Age and Ageing, 2010, 39(5), p.522 – 525

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: September 2010

Publication type: Editorial

In a nutshell: This article highlights some of the risk factors for falls and fractures in patients with Diabetes. These include orthostatic hypotension, gait disorders, hypoglycaemia and visual impairment. Interventions used to treat these conditions are discussed in the context of falls prevention and arguments made for targeted falls prevention for older patients with Diabetes.

Length of publication: 3 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Further Dissemination

If you think someone would benefit from receiving this posting, please email them the link to this blog and suggest they subscribe to Falls Prevention Horizon Scanning by email.