A PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO PREVENT AND MANAGE PATIENT FALLS

The most frequent cause of injury leading to visit to the emergency department is falls. Falls are a significant challenge to the quality of life of older people often resulting in a loss of self-care abilities and involvement in physical and social activities. Fear of falling which affects 20% to 39% of people who fall can lead to more activity restriction even though there is no injury.The aim is to raise awareness and inform nursing staff and the multidisciplinary team about the importance of ensuring a safe environment for all patients; help identify high risk patients; provide the resources to educate families and caregivers about the possible risk of fall; and outline strategies for implementing individualized care management plans to re-establish care.The most frequent cause of injury leading to visit to the emergency department is falls. Falls are a significant challenge to the quality of life of older people often resulting in a loss of self-care abilities and involvement in physical and social activities. Fear of falling which affects 20% to 39% of people who fall can lead to more activity restriction even though there is no injury.The aim is to raise awareness and inform nursing staff and the multidisciplinary team about the importance of ensuring a safe environment for all patients; help identify high risk patients; provide the resources to educate families and caregivers about the possible risk of fall; and outline strategies for implementing individualized care management plans to re-establish care.