Fall Prevention and the Missing SLP Link ecourse

Course overview

Literature over the last 2 decades has shown an obvious link between motor function and cognition. Emerging data suggest therapies designed to improve specific aspects of cognitive function, may also improve gait, increase use of compensatory strategies, and reduce fall risk. Falls and fall-related injuries are a huge concern and costly burden to individuals, society, and healthcare systems. Despite the costly and physical consequences of falls, common interventions and 'fall prevention programs' have been shown to be inadequate or ineffective. This evidence shines a new light on the SLPs ability to target functional safety goals through cognitive therapy to change the outcomes of patient safety. The evidence-based techniques reviewed in this course are applicable to patients with fall concerns who mobilize in any way and/or participate in ADLs, including patients with Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological diagnoses. This course focuses heavily on evidence-based cognitive therapy techniques to improve patient safety; along with education essentials for training of staff/family as a part of your plan of care. Discussion will include how to target these skills without duplicating services with PT/OT. Course material will cover goal writing for best practice standards and avoiding insurance denials. Specific patient examples and documentation from referral to discharge will be covered. Steps to initiate and/or increase the success of a current fall prevention program will be described. Barriers and challenges will also be reviewed.