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Fall prevention in residential care: a cluster, randomized, controlled trial.
Ngaire Kerse1, Meg Butler, Elizabeth Robinson
1Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. n.kerse@auckland.ac.nz
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|April 7, 2004
Summary
This fall prevention program for older adults in residential care did not reduce falls or injuries. In fact, the intervention group had a higher incidence of falls than the control group.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Falls are a significant concern for older adults residing in care facilities, leading to injuries and reduced quality of life.
- Effective fall prevention strategies are crucial for this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a systematic, individualized fall-risk management program in reducing falls and injurious falls among older residents in care homes.
Main Methods:
- A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in 14 residential care homes in Auckland, New Zealand.
- 628 older residents participated, with staff implementing a fall-risk assessment tool and individualized management strategies.
- Outcomes measured included the number of falls and injurious falls over 12 months.
Main Results:
- The intervention group experienced a higher incidence rate of falls compared to the control group (IRR=1.34, P<.018).
- No significant difference was observed in the incidence rate of injurious falls or serious injuries between the groups.
- The fall-prevention intervention did not demonstrate effectiveness in reducing falls or fall-related injuries.
Conclusions:
- The implemented low-intensity fall-prevention intervention was ineffective and potentially detrimental, leading to more falls than usual care.
- Further research into more intensive or different approaches to fall prevention in residential care is warranted.