Patient perceptions with falls during hospitalization and after discharge

Source: Applied Nursing Research, 2016, Vol 31 p. 79-85

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: August 2016

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This study aims to describe the perceptions of hospitalised older people around their falls risk and fall prevention strategies received while hospitalised, and any instructions they received to prevent possible falls after discharge.

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.

Falls and older people: aftercare and prevention

Source: Nursing in Practice

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Date of publication: 25 November 2015

Publication type: News article

In a nutshell: This article discusses the importance of immediate rapid assessment of an initial fall in order to prevent any subsequent falls.

Length of publication: One page

 

 

 

Falls history, balance and life quality in older cancer survivors

Source: Gait and Posture, 2014, Vol 40 no 3 p. 451-456

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: July 2014

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Older cancer survivors may be predisposed to falls because of sequelae associated with cancer and its treatments. This study examined the association between fall history, balance and quality of life in community-dwelling older cancer patients who had completed primary cancer treatments. The results showed that falls are a significant problem in older cancer survivors and balance control is a determinant of perceived physical function and wellbeing. Older cancer survivors reporting a poor quality of life may have a higher risk of falling. Future research is needed to examine risk factors and interventions.

Length of publication: 5 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.

Elderly participation in daily life with falls prevention after discharge

Source: Disability and Rehabilitation, 2014, Vol 36 no 10 p.787-796

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: May 2014

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis designed to investigate the impact of falls prevention programmes on older adults who are returning home to live after being discharged from hospital. It uses peer-reviewed articles and grey literature to show that falls interventions provided a positive improvement in patients’ participation levels, finding a causal association. The effect size was small, but the study suggests that participation needs to be considered in future falls prevention research.

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.

The relationship among falls, rehabilitation outcomes and health services use

Source: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 2013, Vol 14 no 11 p. 832-836

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: November 2013

Publication Type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This study looked at determining the characteristics associated with single and multiple fallers in a post-acute rehabilitation centre. It found that the majority of fallers were older males who were frail and suffered cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms. Multiple fallers were particularly at risk of poor functional recovery and increased health service use. Specific programs targeting these patients should be developed in further studies.

Length of publication: 4 pages

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

The cost of falls prevention in Torbay

Source:  ProFaNE website

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Date of publication: August 2013

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: This publication, from The King’s Fund, lists number of incidents and their associated costs in one area of England. It explores not just the costs associated with incidents, but also ongoing care costs and how they are distributed between different care providers such as hospitals and social care systems.

Length of publication: 1 page

Grip strength among older people in different healthcare settings

Source: Age and Ageing, 2013, online

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Date of publication: August 2013

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Low muscle strength causes many different problems among the elderly, and has been well documented in those living at home. This study investigates its epidemiology in older people who are in rehabilitation or long-term care. It found that older people living in the community had higher grip strength than people in care, and that grip strength also varied widely between healthcare settings. This research will have implications on falls research.

Length of publication: 1 page

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.

Preventing falls in care homes: a question of balance

Source: Geriatric Medicine, 2013

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Date of publication: July 2013

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: The elderly are three times more likely to suffer from a fall when in a care home compared to living in their own home. Due to fears of litigation from injuries, staff are likely to restrict movement of people in their care, but this also has the effect of restricting their freedom and quality of life. This article discusses ways around this problem.

Length of publication: 1 page