Falls Prevention Horizon Scanning Bulletin Volume 2 Issue 2

Positive outcomes following the implementation of falls prevention programme in residential care homes

Source: Geriatric Nursing, 2012, 33(1) p. 41-50

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: January 2012

Publication type: Cohort study

In a nutshell: Prospective cohort study measured the impact of falls reduction following the implementation of evidence-based fall prevention interventions in 9 Australian residential care facilities.  Following the intervention a significant reduction of falls were observed per site in the proportion of fallers and single fallers.  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.

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.

Tai Chi and its effectiveness for reducing fall risks in elders

Source: Research in Sports Medicine, 20(1). p. 37-58

Follow this link for the abstract 

Date of publication: January 2012

Publication type: Systematic review

In a nutshell:  Systematic review to find evidence on the effects of regular Tai Chi on falls reduction. Considers factors such as who would receive the most benefit, appropriate styles, minimum amount of Tai Chi exercise required before its positive effect is observed and the effect of Tai Chi compared to other physical exercises.  

Length of publication: 21 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.

Translating research, integrating services and promoting the contribution of service users for quality and innovative falls prevention programmes

Source: International Journal of Older People Nursing, December 2011, 6(4), p. 307-314

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: December 2011

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell:  This paper draws upon UK best practice to discuss the strategic direction of falls prevention programmes for older people and the partnerships that need to exist between researchers, service providers and users of services to translate evidence to the clinical setting.  It also proposes mechanisms for disseminating evidence to healthcare professionals and other stakeholders, to improve the quality and capacity of the clinical workforce.

Length of publication: 8 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.

New multi-systemic fall prevention model following systematic review evidence

Source: Journal of Advanced Nursing December 2011, 67(12), p. 24-29

Follow this link for the abstract

In a nutshell:  Review assessed the effectiveness and characteristics of fall prevention interventions implemented in hospitals. A multi-systemic fall prevention model that establishes a practical framework was developed from the evidence which recommends how hospitals prevent falls and fall-related injuries, more effectively address the various risk factors for falling, and therefore prevent falls.

Date of publication: December 2011

Publication type: Systematic review

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.

A successful collaborative approach to fall prevention improves service delivery

Source Canadian Nurse  2011, 107(8),  p.  24-29

Follow this link for abstract

 Date of publication: October 2011

 Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Project to reduce the number of patient falls and their consequences is described. A hospital and community services collaborated to identify and assess patients at risk of falling and an intervention, involving visits by the public health nurse and occupational therapist, was implemented. Improvements in outcomes were measured. Members of the project team make recommendations for health-care professionals interested in initiating similar projects.

Length of publication: 6 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.

Prevention of inpatient falls: systematic risk assessment and reduction programme

Source: NHS Evidence QIPP updates

Follow this link for full text

Date of publication: December 2011

Publication type: Quality and productivity example

In a nutshell: This case study describes how a trust is aiming to prevent inpatient falls by developing a stepwise approach underpinned by information from national sources. It is calculated that in an average 800-bed acute hospital trust there will be about 24 falls every week and 1260 falls every year, which represents the highest volume of patient safety incidents reported in hospital trusts in England.

Length of publication:8 pages

Community falls prevention in Nottingham

Source: The Improvement Network

Follow this link for the full text

Date of publication: January 2012

In a nutshell: A service in Nottingham aims to improve services and reduce mortality and risk of falls in older people by integration of services and partnership with providers to identify and target falls risk factors.

Length of publication: 1 page news bulletin

Falls linked to use of more than two prescription drugs

Source: Nursing Times 21st January 2012

Follow this link for the full text

Date of publication: January 2012

Publication type: News article

In a nutshell: Taking two or more prescription drugs may make people more likely to fall no matter what their age is, even taking into account personal, social and lifestyle factors. Unintentional falls were most likely linked to drugs for high blood pressure and cholesterol, though the conditions themselves could play a part.

Length of publication: 1 page news bulletin