Strategies to reduce risk of fall-related injuries in rehabilitation nursing

Rehabil Nurs. 2007 May-Jun;32(3):120-5. doi: 10.1002/j.2048-7940.2007.tb00163.x.

Abstract

Rehabilitation nurses are in a critical position to lead interdisciplinary team fall prevention management, including injury risk reduction. This article provides an update for rehabilitation nurses on evidence-based strategies to reduce patients'risk of fall-related injuries. This content builds on existing literature by focusing on knowledge to promote patient responses that reduce the risk of falls and ultimately fall-related injuries. Although rehabilitation nurses understand the complex nature of falls, addressing the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors that increase the risk of fall-related injuries requires both individually based treatment programs and a system-wide commitment. A plethora of literature discusses fall risks and falls, but this article profiles the at-risk patient and describes current and emerging evidence-based interventions to protect patients from fall-related injuries by reducing risk factors. This discussion is limited to exercise, environmental redesign, osteoporosis prevention, and hip protectors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Environment Design
  • Exercise
  • Hip Fractures / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Osteoporosis / prevention & control
  • Protective Devices
  • Rehabilitation / methods*
  • Rehabilitation Nursing / methods