Study: Fear of falling influences fall-prevention strategies

A study published in the September issue of the American Journal of Critical Care finds patients deemed at risk for falls may not follow prevention strategies, depending on their perceptions of personal risk. The article, "Perceptions Related to Falls and Fall Prevention Among Hospitalized Adults," discusses the results of a hospital inpatient survey about fall-related attitudes. The principal investigator, Renee Samples Twibell, PhD, RN, CNE, is an associate professor in the School of Nursing at Ball State University and a nurse researcher at Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital, both in Muncie, Ind. "Strategies to prevent falls have limited success without patients' participation," Twibell said in a news release. "Our findings suggest that fear of falling is a key perception for nurses to assess as they develop fall-prevention plans." The 38-item survey included the patients' ratings of their confidence to act without falling and their degree of concern about falling. The patients also answered questions about potential consequences of their falling while hospitalized and their intention to ask for assistance before taking an action that is deemed high risk for falls. The study found acutely ill patients' intentions to engage in fall prevention behaviors during hospitalization decrease when they are not afraid of falling, do not perceive adverse consequences if they do fall and have increased confidence they can perform high-risk behaviors without help and without falling. A total of 158 patients in acute care units at Ball Memorial Hospital participated in the study. Even though all study participants had been assessed by nurses as being at risk for falls, more than half reported they were not at all likely or were slightly likely to fall during hospitalization and were confident they could get out of bed without help and without falling. Other findings from the study include: o More than 75% of participants reported they would call for assistance before getting out of bed to walk to the bathroom, walk around in their hospital room or walk outside the room. However, 10% indicated that they would not call for help for any mobility-related activities. o Approximately 80% of patients surveyed said they would reach for items on the bedside table without help and were confident they could do so without falling. o Nearly half of the respondents were most concerned with walking outside their hospital room. o Participants reported that even if they fell, they would still be able to cope alone (69%), be independent (60%) and be active (65%). At the bedside, nurses caring for acutely ill patients can put this research into practice by incorporating fall-related perceptions as they assess each patient's risk factors, according to the release. They can then integrate that information into a fall-prevention plan and tailor communications about falls to fit a patient's perception. The research team suggests directions for future studies and calls for new strategies to shape the perceptions of patients at risk for falls and to engage acutely ill, alert patients in staying safe during hospitalization. To comment, email editor@nurse.com.