I would like to use this information in my nursing research paper. It needs to be (APA) 10 pages, not including title and reference pages,
I. Introduction
The main points in my guideline are:
A. Identify fall risk factors associated in hospital, home healthcare, long-term and hospice facilities.
B. Explore safety guidelines established to prevent falls.
C. Create or identify a fall risk assessment which will properly alert staff to the patient’s risk for falls.
a. Increase education and awareness in fall prevention.
My guideline is Fall prevention. In: Evidence-based geriatric nursing protocols for best practice. This guideline was taken from the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing- Academic Institution.
Having a family member fall and as a registered nurse in many diverse settings, I have come to realize the importance of assessing patients for fall risks. There are numerous aspects to consider including age, cognition, and medications. Consequences of falls should not be underestimated. Evidence-based research has improved our need to recognize the need for prevention and education. It is crucial to determine individualized risks for a falls in hospitalized and home healthcare patients.
II. Theoretical Foundation for the Topic
A. The theoretical foundation for the topic is based on Jean Watson�s Caring Theory. The caring moment is the focal point of time in which the nurse cares for another is where human interaction takes place. It consists of the goals and expectations of both the nurse and client or individual being cared for, and the consciousness involved in the caring situation. It requires above all else a conscious presence.
B. Watson emphasized that to be highly involved with caring, a nurse must first become conscious and aware of what is taking place in the immediate moment. Prevention and education of falls in hospitalized patients�encompasses greater wholeness in the community and can resonate from the energy established by such practices.
III. Review of Literature
I used the Jacksonville University Swisher Library database, Ovid, to search for related literature. The search terms I used were fall risks in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. The years of the articles were 2006 �2012.
Many risk factors can be changed or modified to help prevent falls. Research has identified many conditions that contribute to falling. These are the most common aspects that will be addressed:
A. Older adults who survive a fall experience significant morbidity.
a. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries and wrist, arm, ankle, or hip fractures.
B. Certain medications, like blood thinners, can be a serious risk factor.
C. Many people who fall, even if they�re not injured, become afraid of falling.
D. Direct medical costs for fall injuries are costly
IV. Recommendations for Practice
Falls don’t “just happen.” Simple modifications can help reduce the risk of falling. A number of interventions targeted to individuals have been shown to work, but population-based strategies have not been properly evaluated. These points to the need for monitoring and further evaluation including:
A. Administering and providing a determination of risk for falling, based on gender, mental and emotional status, symptoms of dizziness, and known categories of medications increasing risk.
B. Addressing fall hazards, such as volunteering information such as information on their states� fall-prevention screenings, referrals, and programs.
C. Safety rounding, a nurse would check that all precautions to prevent falls were in place, including fall risk armbands, signs, and bed alarms.
D. Having a global electronic health record to alert hospitals, doctor�s offices and home care givers access to the patient�s risks for falls.
V. Conclusion
Fall risk warrants thorough assessment as well as prompt intervention and treatment. There are usually more than one underlying cause or risk factor is involved in a fall. Older adults who have already experienced a fall are at risk for more falls.
A. Fall prevention programs can be cost effective, although more research is required.
B. Electronic health records with targeted interventions that prompt and alert caregivers to modify and/or reduce specific risk factors present.
C. Health and community care organizations need to work together to prioritize fall prevention as part of their overall strategy for promoting a healthy standard of living of advanced years. This helps with post-fall assessments which are essential for evidenced-based approaches to fall risk factor reduction.