What Can Nurses Do To Reduce Incidences Of Falls Among The Elderly (Term Paper Sample)

Elder Falls Student Name Institutional Affiliation Elder Falls The number of senior citizens is increasing in a majority of the countries. Old age makes individuals prone to diseases like mental disorders, dementia, and chronic degenerative diseases [1]. While hospitals and nursing homes are appropriate for the elderly, they can make them prone to falls. Falls can result in fatal injuries and cause severe injuries and even death. Due to poor gait, medication and weak muscles, the elderly can easily fall. Falls have adverse effects not only on patients but also on the economy. For instance, the cost of fall in 2015 was $50 billion where Medicare and Medicaid paid about 75% of the expenses [2]. The increase in elder fall in nursing homes and hospitals reduces the confidence people have on the nurses. Elderly patients do not feel secure in the various facilities. While nurses seek to provide high-quality care to their clients, a majority of them do not have adequate knowledge on how to prevent falls [3]. This paper uses a PICOT question to indicate how nurses can address incidences of elder falls in hospitals and nursing homes. PICOT question This paper addresses the problem, “What can nurses do to reduce incidences of falls among the elderly.” PICOT variables Population: The nurses to attend to elders aged 60 years and above. Nurses are the primary caregivers which makes them critical population in minimizing elder falls. They are supposed to ensure the safety of elders under their care. It is essential for nurses to participate actively in curbing the problem of elder abuse. The project endeavors to work with nurses because they are better positioned to address the issue. Intervention: Education and training Nurses will undergo training regarding the factors precipitating falls and the prevention strategies to employ. They will know various interventions to apply to curb the problem. Moreover, the nurses will discover medications which make the clients prone to falls. They will learn the importance of reducing the administration of tranquilizers. They will learn the importance of consulting the physicians on the need to discontinue unnecessary mediation. The training will assist the nurses to know how to undertake environmental modifications to make it possible for the elders to operate efficiently. For instance, they can ensure good lighting of the wards and maintain the beds locked. Comparison: Analysis of falls before and after the intervention There will be an examination of falls before and after the application of the intervention. If the number of falls after the intervention will be less, the intervention will be considered successful. However, if there is no change, then the intervention will be regarded as inappropriate. Outcome: A reduction in the incidences of elder falls The expected result of the project is the overall reduction in the number of falls. It also seeks to increase the level of awareness among the nurses regarding fall prevention strategies. More...