Clinical nursing research
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Clinical nursing research · Feb 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialThe Nursing Home Falls Self-Efficacy Scale: development and testing.
We examined a brief measure of falls self-efficacy in nursing home residents participating in a pilot randomized controlled trial to study the effects of hip protectors on the prevention of fractures (N = 116, mean age 82 ± 8, 72% female). Internal consistency reliability was acceptable with Cronbach's alpha of .79. Factor analysis supported two factors representing self-efficacy expectations and outcome expectancy. ⋯ We found lower falls self-efficacy in participants who needed help with mobility, in people with lower executive function, and in participants who reported fear of falling. Scores were not associated with prospective falls or adherence with hip protector use. The findings of this study provide preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the scale for future research.
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Clinical nursing research · Feb 2012
ReviewAnalysis of measurement tools of fear of falling for high-risk, community-dwelling older adults.
Fear of falling has many health consequences among older adults and may lead to curtailment of activities, immobility, functional dependence, falls, and serious injury. The lack of clarity as to how to best measure fear of falling among high-risk, community-dwelling older adults defined as those who are nursing home eligible, functionally dependent, and vulnerable is further complicated by the multiple definitions used throughout the science. Fear of falling is important to measure effectively if we are to develop and test interventions to promote safe aging in place and prevent injury and institutionalization. This integrative review, 1982 to the present, leads to the conclusion that the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) long form stands out as the most appropriate measurement tool to best assess fear of falling in this unique, understudied, and underserved population.