Fuzhong, L., Harmer, P., & Fitzgerald, K. (2016). Implementing an Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Intervention in Community Senior Centers. American Journal Of Public Health, 106(11), 2026-2031. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2016.303386
This article, written by two Ph.D.s and an M.D., evaluates the effectiveness of a balance program, Tai Ji Quan, among thirty-six senior citizen centers in Oregon. The program’s success was measured by researchers through the number of self-reported falls. The authors applied previous research in their study. All participants were thoroughly screened prior to their participation in the study. A total of 569 senior citizens were enrolled in the classes, with 77% remained enrolled and 23% withdrawing early. Three participants …show more content…
It explains how children are naturally prone to falling due to their developmental stages. However, in a hospital setting, where patients have physical vulnerabilities and where patient’s falls can be a costly liability issue to the medical institution, it is beneficial to hospitals to try to prevent falls. Patients also may have conditions that make increase the incidents of fall. Therefore, several tools for diagnosing fall risk have been developed. The one selected for this study is the Humpty Dumpty Fall Scale. This scale was used at an institution with a higher-than-average fall rate among its pediatric patients. A policy and plan were created in the institution, and then the nursing staff was educated on the Humpty Dumpty Fall Scale. Whereas the fall rate before instituting the plan and Fall Scale was 4.5% per 1,000 patient days, the percentage dropped to 0% per 1,000 patient days after the plan and Scale were introduced. The article notes that the enthusiasm of the staff was a determining factor in reducing the institution’s fall rate. This article is useful in considering the importance of assessment tools in prevention, as well as in demonstrating the role of the nurse in making significant institutional changes. This article is also useful in considering populations that are vulnerable to falling outside of those that are commonly considered, such as the elderly and orthopedic