Citation

Haines TP, Waldron NG. J. Saf. Res. 2011; 42(6): 431-442.

Affiliation

Allied Health Research Unit, Southern Health, Kingston Centre, Kingston Rd, Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia, 3192; Southern Physiotherapy Clinical School, Monash University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jsr.2011.10.003

PMID

22152261

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Falls prevention evidence has changed and evolved over time with positive and negative studies revealing that a "one-size fits all" approach is not the solution. Care must be taken to critically appraise the evidence and the potential applicability of that evidence to the specific hospital setting. METHOD: A narrative account of the evolution of research evidence in this field is first presented. How this evidence should be applied in clinical practice is challenging, with a lack of translational evidence for the hospital setting we draw on broader theory of translating knowledge to action. CONCLUSIONS: The journey should begin with formation of a management and engagement committee. A review of existing practices and the difference between existing practice and evidence-based practice should be undertaken to identify the "evidence-practice gap." Engagement with staff is recommended to inform a plan for practice change. Plans for resourcing, targeting, and evaluating these strategies should also be undertaken. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: This paper will assist hospitals to identify and implement evidence based falls prevention strategies leading to an improvement in patient safety.

Language: en