• Edgar Ramos Vieira, Colleen Berean, Debra Paches, Penny Caveny, Doris Yuen, Lauralee Ballash, and Rosalie Freund-Heritage.
• Department of Physical Therapy, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA. EVieira@fiu.edu
• Clin Rehabil. 2013 Apr 1; 27 (4): 325-35.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention programme to reduce falls among geriatric rehabilitation patients.DesignPre/post-test design with independent pre-test and matched post-test samples.SettingInpatient geriatric wards in a rehabilitation hospital.ParticipantsSeventy-six matched pairs (n = 152) of geriatric rehabilitation patients from one control and one intervention ward participated in the study, and 36 nursing staff surveys were completed.InterventionThe intervention programme was developed based on interviews and systematic reviews. Educational materials were distributed to patients and families, and preventive measures were implemented.Main Outcome MeasuresThe rates of falls before and after the intervention both within and between the wards were compared, and surveys were completed.ResultsThe matched patients presented no significant differences on age, gender or medical conditions. The falls rates, proportion of fallers and length of stay was higher among those in the control ward (P< 0.043). The percentage of fallers and the rate of falls/1000 patient days were lower on the intervention ward after implementation: odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = -2.9 (-6.6, -1.2) and -1.8 (-6.0, 0.5). Thirty of 36 respondents considered the tool to be helpful and beneficial for use on other wards.ConclusionThe intervention programme was effective in reducing falls among geriatric rehabilitation patients.

32 keywords...

hide…