Fall Prevention in the Elderly

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the use of physical or chemical restraints as a preventive measure against falls in elderly patients. It analyzes the literature which implies that restraints do not decrease the incidence of falls and questions whether restraints should still be used to prevent falls in elderly patients in nursing homes. The paper then provides some recommendations to the problem.

Table of Contents:
Problem
Background of the Problem
Scope
Evidence Based on Literature
Recommendations
Strategies for Integration

From the Paper:

"A decrease in mental status, with or without psychoactive drug use, and a perceived risk for falls was associated with subsequent restraint use, reiterating the need for patient assessment and treating the underlying condition rather than relying on restraints. Pharmacological assessment of psychotropic drugs, cardiovascular and neurological assessment of nursing home residents should be carried out in at-risk patients for falls (Lyons, 2004, Recommendation A). At-risk patients with a pertinent history for the above should be reviewed and acted upon accordingly and avoidance of restraint use due to the increased risk of falls and injuries (Lyons, 2004; Park, Hsiao-Chen Tang & Ledford, 2005, Recommendation A)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Capezuti E, Maislin G, Strumpf N & Evans LK. (2002). Side rail use and bed-related fall outcomes among nursing home residents. J Am Geriatr Soc., 50(1), 90-6.
• Capezuti E, Strumpf NE, Evans LK, Grisso JA & Maislin G. (1998). The relationship between physical restraint removal and falls and injuries among nursing home residents. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci., 53(1), M47-52.
• Capezuti E, Evans L, Strumpf N & Maislin G. (1996). Physical restraint use and falls in nursing home residents. J Am Geriatr Soc., 44(6), 627-33.
• Dorset Health Authority (2002). Guidelines for the prevention and management of falls in the elderly: residential care. Retrieved April 10, 2007 from http://www.laterlifetraining.co.uk/documents/DorsetHealthCare.pdf
• Evans LK, Strumpf NE, Allen-Taylor SL, Capezuti E, Maislin G & Jacobsen B. (1997). A clinical trial to reduce restraints in nursing homes. J Am Geriatr Soc., 45(6), 675-81.

More papers on Fall Prevention in the Elderly:

• Term Paper # 140626 : "Prevention of Falls in the Elderly"
• Term Paper # 133075 : "Evidence-Based Practice: Fall Prevention"
• Term Paper # 104982 : "Community Health Nursing and the Elderly"

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