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Document Type

DNP - University Access Only

Award Date

2017

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Sheryl Marckstadt

Keywords

falls, risk assessment, prevention, education, elderly

Abstract

Falls in the elderly cause serious injury and even death. Injuries from falls lead to emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations, which cost billions of dollars annually (CDC, 2016). Fall risk assessment and prevention is a key initiative for elderly patients to prevent harm and potentially loss of independence. Research shows that falls are preventable. The objective of this project was to examine a fall risk assessment and referral process to promote fall prevention interventions in a community based rural ED. Several interventions to prevent fall risk were explored. Results of the project show clinical and statistical significance in both fall screening rates and referral rates when compared to previous protocol. A short, self-administered tool, such as the Stay Independent brochure may be an effective tool to quantify fall risk among elderly patients in the ED environment (CDC, 2016). This document considered the theoretical background, ethics, and mechanics of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) fall prevention project.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Falls (Accidents) in old age -- Risk assessment
Falls (Accidents) in old age -- Prevention

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 54-58)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

90

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/

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