|
Older Adults; Falls; Fall Prevention; Patient Discharge; Nursing Management; RE-AIM
|
Zahra Abasgholizadeh Seresti   , Seyed Mohammad Mirrezaie , Ali Dadgari * |
| , adadgari@yahoo.com |
|
|
Abstract: (91 Views) |
Introduction: Falls among older adults are a major patient safety challenge requiring systematic risk identification, assessment, patient and caregiver education, and continuity of care after discharge. This study aimed to implement and evaluate an operational fall-prevention program using the RE-AIM framework.
Methods: This applied study was conducted in 2023 among adults aged ≥60 years presenting to the triage unit of Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahroud, Iran. Eligible participants were enrolled through census sampling. The program included standardized fall identification and documentation in the hospital information system, nurse training, risk assessment, patient and caregiver education, discharge documentation and information transfer, and implementation monitoring. Evaluation covered the five RE-AIM dimensions: Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance.
Results: Key achievements included establishing fall-documentation infrastructure, integrating the program into nursing workflows, supporting post-discharge care continuity, and introducing a defined nursing management indicator. The primary analysis included 168 older adults, of whom 54.76% were women. Comorbidities were reported in 79.16%, and 75.60% had a history of medication use. Additionally, 55.36% had experienced a fall in the preceding 12 months, 51.19% faced moderate-to-very-high environmental risks, and 73.21% had some degree of gait or balance impairment. Overall, 66.7% were classified as having moderate or high fall risk. All participants received at least part of the educational intervention, and program monitoring continued for six months. The initial implementation audit confirmed fulfillment of 9 of 10 checklist components.
Conclusion: Implementing an integrated fall-prevention program for older adults was feasible in the hospital setting. Standardized documentation, staff training, discharge planning, and implementation monitoring were essential components. Integrating fall prevention into routine nursing workflows and discharge processes may strengthen patient safety.
|
|
| Keywords: Older Adults, Falls, Fall Prevention, Patient Discharge, Nursing Management, RE-AIM |
|
|
|
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/Sep/Sun | Accepted: 2026/Oct/Fri | Published: 2026/Apr/Sat
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
