Birkle M1, Mottart F2, Hamel-Lauzon G2, Bouchard D2
1University Hospital of Lausanne, Medicine - Geriatrics, Lausanne, Switzerland, 2University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Background: In Switzerland, it is estimated that about 1/3 of people over the age of 65 fall at least once a year and of those nearly 1000 people die as a result of their fall. In view of this high rate, the continuous improvement of the detection and management protocol for falls and associated injuries in geriatric rehabilitation is of great importance.
Purpose: Although aimed at reducing the rate of falls and reducing serious consequences, our main goal in the context of geriatric rehabilitation is to ensure the best quality of life for the patient to return home safely.
Methods: An interdisciplinary pilot project was implemented in a University Rehabilitation Center (CUTR) on a unit/floor of 17 beds. This project took place over 16 weeks. Stages of the RNAO Knowledge Translation Model served as a methodological framework.
Results: An assessment of knowledge and their use in practice revealed that caregivers perceive new practices positively and can better integrate fall risk assessment into their practice.
An assessment of the number of falls and its consequences in real time using the Quality and Safety Cross (CQS) showed a significant reduction (40%) in the number of falls with consequences.
Conclusion(s): The physiotherapist collaborated with the nursing staff who remain attentive to the risk of falling over 24 hours. The specific mobilization instructions recommended and communicated by the physiotherapist are available to the care team in the patient´s treatment plan.
Implications: The physiotherapist´s contribution to the interdisciplinary meetings helped to create synergies and better coordinate evaluations and interventions for the patient.
Keywords: Fall's prevention, Interdisciplinary, geriatric rehabilitation
Funding acknowledgements: none
Purpose: Although aimed at reducing the rate of falls and reducing serious consequences, our main goal in the context of geriatric rehabilitation is to ensure the best quality of life for the patient to return home safely.
Methods: An interdisciplinary pilot project was implemented in a University Rehabilitation Center (CUTR) on a unit/floor of 17 beds. This project took place over 16 weeks. Stages of the RNAO Knowledge Translation Model served as a methodological framework.
Results: An assessment of knowledge and their use in practice revealed that caregivers perceive new practices positively and can better integrate fall risk assessment into their practice.
An assessment of the number of falls and its consequences in real time using the Quality and Safety Cross (CQS) showed a significant reduction (40%) in the number of falls with consequences.
Conclusion(s): The physiotherapist collaborated with the nursing staff who remain attentive to the risk of falling over 24 hours. The specific mobilization instructions recommended and communicated by the physiotherapist are available to the care team in the patient´s treatment plan.
Implications: The physiotherapist´s contribution to the interdisciplinary meetings helped to create synergies and better coordinate evaluations and interventions for the patient.
Keywords: Fall's prevention, Interdisciplinary, geriatric rehabilitation
Funding acknowledgements: none
Topic: Disability & rehabilitation; Older people; Professional practice: other
Ethics approval required: No
Institution: CUTR Sylvana
Ethics committee: Dr Wanda Bosshard
Reason not required: This was a quality and safety clinical project for continuing improvement .
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
