Citation

Zanetos JM, Lux KM, Richardson LG. J. Nurses Prof. Dev. 2014; 30(3): 143-148.

Affiliation

Joanne Marie Zanetos, DNP, MSN, RN, is Associated Clinical Faculty at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, and Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kathleen Mary Lux, PhD, RN, ANPD, CHES, is Associate Professor, Capital University, Columbus, Ohio. Luann G. Richardson, PhD, CRNP, is Assistant Professor, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/NND.0000000000000061

PMID

24845093

Abstract

A pretest-posttest no control group design was used to test knowledge on fall incidence in residents of a rehabilitation center. Twenty-six staff nurses were educated on fundamental geriatric pharmacology.

RESULTS of a two-tailed t test showed a significant increase in posttest scores (t test(50) = 3.53, p =.003). Retrospective fall and medication data collected over 2 months in 2011 and 2 months in 2012 were compared. The incidence of falls decreased (44.7%) with total number of residents falling (30.7%) post intervention in 2012. Staff nurses need to have continuing pharmaceutical education and medication management classes about the elderly.

Language: en