An evaluation of a fall management program in a personal care home population

Falls are a common problem among institutionalized adults, often resulting in serious negative consequences (Tideiksaar 2002). Fortunately, many of these falls are preventable (Tideiksaar 2002). However, there has been a recent shift from a fall "prevention" approach to one of fall "management," which aims at preventing injuries rather than falls. Falling is regarded as indicative of activity, which strengthens muscles, improves balance, and ultimately reduces the risk of falling (North Eastman Health Association Inc. 2005). For this research, the effectiveness of a fall "management" program that has been implemented in five provincial personal care homes "PCHs" in a Manitoba rural regional health authority will be evaluated. Fall-related administrative data will be analyzed to determine if there are differences (i) within the study sites over time (from pre- to post-intervention) and (ii) between the study and comparison sites. Qualitative information from staff interviews and chart audits will supplement the quantitative information.