Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Debra A. Lewis

Abstract

Falls are common in the older population and can result in disability, increased dependence, or mortality. Falls have received increased attention in the literature as the most common cause of injuries among older individuals. The incidence of falls in the older population has a positive correlation with adverse health issues necessitating major lifestyle adjustments. The problem is magnified for older patients in long-term care settings where they are 3 times more susceptible to falls. The purpose of this project study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to understand the impact and incidence of fall rates among older patients in long-term care sites while determining strategies that would be helpful in preventing falls in these care settings going forward. The study was guided by the personality theory framework. The systematic review included 12 peer-reviewed articles, final articles were selected based on recent year of publication, scholarship, and English language. The revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence was used to guide the review of identified literature. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram was used to document the included studies. Results indicated that falls among older patients have been attributed to personal and environmental factors including medication, previous history of falls, and comorbidity risk factors regardless of the setting. Multifactorial interventions including exercise therapy and assistive devices have been more effective in preventing falls compared to stand-alone strategies. Findings support social change by providing information to enhance patient safety practices and improve patient outcomes for older individuals in long-term care settings.

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