Assess Systematic Fall Risk Assessment and Prevention Intervention for Elderly Hospitalized Adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56801/MME1203Keywords:
Fall Risk Assessment, Quality Improvement in Healthcare, Older Adults in Acute Care.Abstract
Background: Falls are a leading cause of injury and mortality among older adults, with nearly 29% of individuals aged 65 years or older experiencing at least one fall annually. A history of falls significantly increases the risk of recurrent falls, while fear of falling perpetuates a cycle of reduced physical activity and heightened fall risk. Evidence supports multifactorial interventions, but systematic fall risk assessments are often underutilized during hospitalization. This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a quality improvement (QI) process aimed at standardizing fall risk assessment and prevention for older adults in acute care settings.
Methods: The intervention involved integrating a standardized fall risk assessment tool into electronic medical records, guided by three screening questions. Participants included 150 nurses and residents working in general internal medicine wards. A mandatory 15–20 minute e-learning program and monthly quizzes reinforced knowledge. Data collection included an online survey, semi-structured interviews, and participation metrics. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.
Results: Out of 150 invited participants, 94 (63%) completed the e-learning program. Nurses showed higher participation in quizzes initially, although engagement declined over time. Surveys and interviews revealed that 92% of participants found the e-learning content clear and concise, though 49% desired more challenging material. Participants reported increased awareness of fall risk factors (78%), but only 25% noted improvements in interdisciplinary communication. Quizzes were deemed effective in reinforcing knowledge, though some participants recommended shorter, more frequent sessions. Overall, the initiative highlighted the importance of integrating fall risk assessments into routine care, with positive feedback regarding the intervention’s practicality and relevance.
Conclusion: The QI process demonstrated feasibility and acceptability in hospital settings, emphasizing the importance of standardized fall risk assessments. The intervention effectively increased awareness and knowledge of fall prevention among healthcare professionals, although challenges such as sustaining engagement and improving interdisciplinary communication remain. Future efforts should focus on refining training methods, optimizing workflow integration, and expanding the intervention to broader healthcare settings to further reduce fall risks among hospitalized older adults.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Atef Eid Madkour Elsayed, Saad N B S N Almutairi, Fares Nasser Alanazi, Nourah Hamad Aleidan, Abdulmajeed Mohammed Ahmed Alayyubi, Afnan Abdullah Ali Alzubaidi, Asma Ali Alshamrani, Fatimh Mohammed Almazayen, Ali Hussein Alkhars, Mohammed Maree Alshakhs, Marya Tawfeek Alshammasi, Fatimah Abdulrahman Alharbi

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