44023 Falls Part 1

Course overview

Focuses on fall prevention for older adults, including evidence supporting the effectiveness of interventions, risk factors and tests for falling in older adults, and effective methods for fall prevention, including common exercises. Between 700,000 and one million individuals in the United States fall in the hospital each year, leading to potentially harmful consequences such as fractures, internal bleeding, and increased healthcare costs. One out of five falls results in a serious injury, such as a fracture or head injury, and more than 95 percent of hip fractures occur secondary to a fall. Research has demonstrated that approximately one-third of falls can be prevented by utilizing techniques such as management of underlying risk factors and ensuring an optimal physical design and environment in healthcare settings. Fall prevention requires a multidisciplinary approach to care, including organizational culture and practices that promote teamwork, communication, and expertise. This program discusses current evidence supporting the effectiveness of interventions for fall prevention, risk factors and tests for falling in older adults, and effective methods for fall prevention in older adults, including common exercises.