Exploring Fall Risk Management of Older Adults in a Sample of Rural Health Clinics
2024

Exploring Fall Risk Management in Rural Health Clinics

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Venema Dawn, Yao Yao, Kennel Victoria

Primary Institution: University of Nebraska Medical Center

Hypothesis

What are the current fall risk management practices and barriers in rural health clinics for older adults?

Conclusion

The study found that while many rural health clinics screen older adults for fall risk, significant barriers to effective fall risk management remain.

Supporting Evidence

  • 82% of rural health clinics screened older adult patients for fall risk.
  • 70% of clinics assessed home environment for fall risk.
  • Barriers included time constraints and patient receptivity to fall risk management activities.

Takeaway

This study looked at how rural clinics help older people avoid falls, finding that many do screenings but face challenges in providing full care.

Methodology

Surveys were conducted based on the CDC's STEADI toolkit to assess fall risk management practices in Nebraska Rural Health Clinics.

Limitations

The response rate was only 27%, which may not represent all rural health clinics.

Participant Demographics

Older adults in rural health clinics in Nebraska.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3972

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication