Article

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention programme to reduce
falls among geriatric rehabilitation patients.
Design: Pre/post-test design with
independent pre-test and matched post-test samples. Setting: Inpatient geriatric
wards in a rehabilitation hospital. Participants: Seventy-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.
Intervention: The 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 measures: The
rates of falls before and after the intervention both within and between the
wards were compared, and surveys were completed. Results: The 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. Conclusion: The intervention programme was effective in reducing falls
among geriatric rehabilitation patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS