Inpatient Falls Prevention - Dissertation Example

Findings: Based on the studies reviewed, possible causes of falls include: visual impairment, gait and balance problems, medication effects, and inadequate patient assessment and review. In order to prevent falls, recommendations include patient assessment and review, changing of medications, strength and balance training, application of single interventions, application of multifactorial interventions, Vitamin D supplementation, environmental modifications, as well as accurate history taking.

These prevention measures have been seen as effective in preventing falls. The majority of the studies included are randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. They present results which are similar to previously stated results. No significant diversion from previous results was observed. Conclusion: In general, the study supports the implementation of multifactorial interventions which cover the physical as well as the psychological causes of falls, and prevent their risk and impact on elderly adults.

What are the strategies that help reduce and prevent falls amongst older adults in acute settings?
Chapter 1:
INTRODUCTION
About one in three individuals over the age of 65 staying in the community would likely fall each year (Anderson, 2008). This means that about one in two of these elderly patients over the age of 80 have fall rates higher for nursing home residents. These falls cause bruising, lacerations as well as fractures. They also represent significant costs to the individual in relation to the loss of independence as well as functioning.

It is also costly to the government’s health and social services (Anderson, 2008). It is also estimated that the National Health Services in England and Wales allocate about 15 million pounds a year to fall-related injuries. This would not include costs allocated to hip fractures which register at about 1.7 billion pounds yearly (Anderson, 2008). Hidden individual costs are also seen, especially in relation to depression, lack of confidence, and mortality. Falls also cause accidental deaths for elderly individuals.

About 30% of falls can be prevented if a standard multidisciplinary approach is applied. There are guidelines and standards of care set by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), and related agencies (Jones, 2011).