Study Nurses' Practices Regarding Fall Prevention among Elderly Women

Research Abstract

Background: Nurses are considered key in raising awareness of patient safety in any health care facility. Falls are due to several factors, and a holistic approach to the individual and environment is important. Suppose a person is considered at high risk for falls after the screening. In that case, a community health nurse should conduct a fall risk assessment to obtain a more detailed analysis of the individual’s risk of falling. Aim of Study: assess nurses' practices regarding fall prevention among elderly women. Research design: A descriptive design Setting: Outpatient Clinics at Beni-Suef University Hospital. Sample: A cross sectional sampling composed from 100 nurses. Tool: Self-administered Questionnaire consists of: (I) Personal characteristics of nurses, (II): Nurses’ practices checklist. Results: Most of the studied sample (89.0%) report that those who experienced dizziness or palpitations. The majority of them (94.0%, 92.0%, 92.0%) report that they make sure the call system within reach, Bed in low position and personal item within reach respectively. more than two-thirds of them (68.0%) report that Antihypertensive affect the risk of falling and mobility /balance. Conclusion: According to their interpretation of score fall prevention measures; most of the studied nurses have moderate risk and slightly more than one quarter of them have high risk, whilst nearly two one fifth of them have low risk. Recommendation: Foster collaboration between nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals to collectively address fall prevention.

Research Keywords

nurses' practices; fall prevention; elderly women