Testing the reliability of the Fall Risk Screening Tool in an elderly ambulatory population

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 1008-1015
Author(s):  
Susan J. Fielding ◽  
Michael McKay ◽  
Kristiina Hyrkas
CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
pp. S90
Author(s):  
P. Samuel ◽  
J. Park ◽  
F. Muckle ◽  
J. Lexchin ◽  
S. Mehta ◽  
...  

Introduction: Patients from all population groups visit the emergency department (ED), with increasing visits by elderly patients. Patient falls in the ED are a significant safety concern, and they can lead to serious injuries and worse outcomes. Toronto Western Hospital’s ED Quality Improvement (QI) team identified as a problem our assessment and management of patients at risk for falls. The aim of this project was to develop a comprehensive and standardized approach to patients at risk of falls in the ED, including implementing timely interventions for fall prevention. Methods: A literature review of existing tools was completed to develop our own reliable and valid fall risk screening tool for ED patients. QI methods were used to devise a comprehensive strategy starting with detection at triage and implementation of action-driven steps at the bedside, through multiple PDSA cycles, randomized audits, surveys, and education. Repeated measurements were undergone throughout the project, as were staff satisfaction surveys. Results: The chart audits showed a five-fold increase in the completion rate of the fall risk screening tool in the ED by the end of the QI initiative (from 10% to 50%). Constructive feedback by an engaged team of nurses was used to iteratively improve the tool, and there was mostly positive feedback on it after various PDSA cycles were completed. The various component of this novel and useful ED-based falls screening tool and bundle will be presented in tables and figures for other leaders to replicate in their EDs. Conclusion: We developed a completely new ED-specific fall risk screening tool through literature review, front-line provider feedback, and iterative PDSA cycles. It was used for the identification, prevention, and management of ED patients with fall risk. We also contributed to a positive change in the culture of a busy ED environment towards the promotion of patient safety. Education and feedback continue to be provided to the ED nurses for reflective practice, and we hope to continue to improve our tool and to share it with other EDs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 698-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Hsuan Hou ◽  
Chun-Mei Kang ◽  
Mu-Hsing Ho ◽  
Jessie Ming-Chuan Kuo ◽  
Hsiao-Lien Chen ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Stapleton ◽  
Peter Hough ◽  
Leonie Oldmeadow ◽  
Karen Bull ◽  
Keith Hill ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482110040
Author(s):  
Lotte M. Barmentloo ◽  
Vicki Erasmus ◽  
Branko F. Olij ◽  
Juanita A. Haagsma ◽  
Johan P. Mackenbach ◽  
...  

Objective: We investigated whether an in-hospital intervention consisting of fall risk screening and tailored advice could prompt patients to take preventive action. Method: Patients (≥70) attending the emergency department and nephrology outpatient clinic in a Dutch hospital were screened. Patients at high risk received tailored advice based on their individual risk factors. Three months after screening, preventive steps taken by patients were surveyed. Results: Two hundred sixteen patients were screened. Of the 83 patients completing a 3-month follow-up, 51.8% took action; among patients who received tailored advice ( n = 20), 70% took action. Patients most often adhered to advice on improving muscle strength and undergoing vision checkups (20%). Tailored advice and a reported low quality of life were associated with consulting a health care provider. Discussion: Patients at risk in these settings are inclined to take action after screening. However, they do not always adhere to the tailored prevention advice.


2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 594-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elke I. Mertens ◽  
Ruud J.G. Halfens ◽  
Theo Dassen

Author(s):  
Hazel Williams-Roberts ◽  
Catherine Arnold ◽  
Daphne Kemp ◽  
Alexander Crizzle ◽  
Shanthi Johnson

ABSTRACT Given the rising numbers of older adults in Canada experiencing falls, evidence-based identification of fall risks and plans for prevention across the continuum of care is a significant priority for health care providers. A scoping review was conducted to synthesize published international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and recommendations for fall risk screening and assessment in older adults (defined as 65 years of age and older). Of the 22 CPGs, 6 pertained to multiple settings, 9 pertained to community-dwelling older adults only, 2 each pertained to acute care and long-term care settings only, and 3 did not specify setting. Two criteria, prior fall history and gait and balance abnormalities, were applied either independently or sequentially in 19 CPG fall risk screening algorithms. Fall risk assessment components were more varied across CPGs but commonly included: detailed fall history; detailed evaluation of gait, balance, and/or mobility; medication review; vision; and environmental hazards assessment. Despite these similarities, more work is needed to streamline assessment approaches for heterogeneous and complex older adult populations across the care continuum. Support is also needed for sustainable implementation of CPGs in order to improve health outcomes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 185-193
Author(s):  
Lee Karlsson ◽  
Kelsey Doe ◽  
Meghan Gerry ◽  
Brooke Moore ◽  
Mariana Wingood ◽  
...  

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