Title : An evidence-based exercise program: Reducing falls in the elderly
Abstract:
Aim: The aim of this educational study was to educate staff on how exercise would help reduce falls in the elderly, and review a developed exercise program.
Background: Falls are tragic and serious for the adult over 65 years of age. As the human body ages, physiological changes take place, putting the elderly at risk for falls. Due to technology in medicine, people are living longer. By 2029, the last of the baby boomers will be aged 65, placing more of the population at risk for falls. An exercise program would help deliver quality of care and promote a healthy lifestyle. This DNP graduate student researched extensively the trending of falls at the clinical practice site (CPS). In Fiscal Year (FY) 2015, there were 44 falls. In FY16, there were 78 falls, and then in FY17, there were 85 falls. Bed-days-of-care provides an actual account of the fall rate. In FY15 the fall rate was 5.9179; in FY16 the fall rate was 8.9065, and in FY17, the fall rate was 8.1894. Even though there was a significant increase in falls between FY15 and FY16, there was a slight decrease in the fall rate between FY16 and FY17. The population at the CPS indicated a change in population with an increase of patients with dementia. In FY15, 11% of the falls were patients with dementia. In FY16, 17% of falls were attributed by dementia patients, and in FY17, 21% were dementia patients. Qualitative analysis, such as identifying someone with Dementia helped to identify a possible reason why some of the falls occurred. Falls with injuries were evaluated for FY13 through FY17. In FY13, 10 of 55 falls (18%) were minor with one major fall (2%). In FY14, seven of 40 falls (18%) were minor with no major injuries. In FY15, 10 of 44 falls (23%) were minor with one major fall (2%). In FY16, 31 of 78 falls (40%) were minor with one major fall (1%). In FY17, 18 of 85 falls (21%) were minor and one major fall (1%). Statistical findings indicate a gap exists when falls continue to occur and remain at a high rate. As part of a recent Falls Aggregate for FY17 at the CPS: 65% of falls were due to altered mental status/forgetfulness related to dementia; 82% had a previous history of falls; 76% had musculoskeletal weakness; and 94% had gait/balance issues. Over 65% of the population would have benefited from an exercise program since literature supports that exercise improves strength, balance, and gait.
Methods: Five qualitative educational studies were held over the course of ten weeks, participants (n = 12). Educational studies were held as a measure to inform employees of the statistical data on fall within their organization.
Results: Pre-testing results of participants indicated a baseline knowledge of 73%. Post-testing results were evaluated at 95%, which showed a 22% increase of knowledge base.
Conclusion: Learning assessments may not be informative due to small sample. Recommend study be extended to a larger sample.
