Person-environment interactions contributing to nursing home resident falls.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Approximately 50% of nursing home residents experience falls annually.
• The specific circumstances surrounding these falls are not well understood.
• Nursing staff perspectives are vital for understanding fall incidents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nursing staff perspectives on the person, environment, and interactive circumstances contributing to nursing home falls.
• To identify key factors from the viewpoint of licensed nurses and geriatric nursing assistants.
• To inform fall prevention strategies by understanding the multifaceted nature of falls.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing focus groups.
• Conducted at two nursing homes with contrasting fall rates.
• Thematic and content analysis of discussions with licensed nurses and geriatric nursing assistants.

Main Results:

• Identified three main themes: Person, Nursing Home Environment, and Interactions Leading to Falls.
• Key 'Person' factors include changes in health status, declining abilities, and resident behaviors.
• Environmental factors encompass design safety, space limitations, obstacles, equipment issues, and care organization; interaction factors include reasons, timing, and high-risk activities.

Conclusions:

• Interactions between resident-specific factors and the nursing home environment significantly contribute to falls.
• A comprehensive understanding of these interconnected factors is essential for effective fall prevention.
• Findings underscore the need for integrated approaches addressing both individual resident needs and environmental safety.