Can volunteer companions prevent falls among inpatients?
Author Information
Author(s): Giles Lynne C, Bolch Denise, Rouvray Robyn, McErlean Beth, Whitehead Craig H, Phillips Paddy A, Crotty Maria
Primary Institution: Flinders University
Hypothesis
Does the introduction of volunteer companions reduce falls among hospital inpatients?
Conclusion
Volunteers may play an important and cost-effective role in enhancing health care and can prevent falls in older hospital patients when they are present.
Supporting Evidence
- No patient falls occurred on either site when volunteers were present.
- Volunteers donated 2345 hours, valued at almost $57,000.
- Volunteers provided companionship and engaged patients in activities.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether having volunteers sit with patients in the hospital can help stop them from falling. It found that while no falls happened when volunteers were there, overall falls didn't really go down.
Methodology
A pre-post comparative design was used to compare ward fall rates before and after the introduction of volunteer companions.
Potential Biases
There may have been reluctance among staff to report falls during the implementation period.
Limitations
The study was limited by the inability to conduct a randomized controlled trial and potential confusion about the role of volunteers among patients' families.
Participant Demographics
The majority of volunteers were aged over 65 years, with more females than males participating.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.346
Confidence Interval
95%CI 0.77 – 1.49
Statistical Significance
p = 0.346
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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