Methods to Reduce Fall Risk

Background: The reinforcement of patient, family, and staff education in addition to traditional fall risk interventions is critical to reduce the rates of falls in hospitalized patients. Objectives: The purpose of this integrative literature review is to analyze whether or not performing initial falls risk assessments combined with patient and family education could potentially reduce the number of falls in hospitalized patients. Method: An integrative literature review guided by Whittemore & Knafl was conducted using Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) Complete, ProQuest, PubMed and Google Scholar. A search was conducted using these terms: hospital, falls, fall prevention, falls risk assessments, education, fall prevention in the hospital, and the use of fall risk education in the hospital. Results: Eighteen studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fall risk assessment tools and interventions were found to be useful in identifying patients who should be considered fall risk. In addition, the reinforcement of patient, family, and staff education through clear communication and collaboration among the healthcare team is critical to reduce the rates of falls in hospitalized patients. Conclusion: Research suggests that a lack of education in addition to miscommunication is a common cause of in-patient falls. Therefore, implementing clear and concise staff, patient and family education in addition to providing usual care could decrease the rate of falls in the acute care setting