Nursing Staff's Views on Falls in Dementia Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Struksnes Solveig, Bachrach-Lindström Margareta, Hall-Lord Marie Louise, Slaasletten Randi, Johansson Inger
Primary Institution: Gjövik University College
Hypothesis
What are the nursing staff's opinions on the causes of falls and fall-preventing interventions for older persons with dementia?
Conclusion
Individual factors were identified as the most common causes of falls, and registered nurses used relationship-based interventions more than enrolled nurses.
Supporting Evidence
- Respondents reported that mental and physical impairments are the most frequent causes of falls.
- RNs reported a longer time before fall incidents were discovered compared to ENs.
- RNs used conversation and closeness as fall-preventing interventions more than ENs.
Takeaway
Nurses think that falls happen mostly because of the patients' health issues, and they try to help by talking and being close to them.
Methodology
The study used a cross-sectional design with a questionnaire of 64 questions distributed to nursing staff in special care units for older persons with dementia.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and the subjective nature of the questionnaire responses.
Limitations
The sample size was small and the distribution of enrolled nurses and registered nurses was uneven.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":44.6,"age_range":"22-65","education_levels":{"elementary":27,"high_school":46,"college_university":27},"years_employed_in_health_care":{"less_than_5_years":17,"more_than_5_years":83},"employment_status":{"full_time":51,"part_time":49}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website