Citation

Becker C, Loy S, Nikolaus T, Rißmann U, Rapp K, Lindemann B, Kron M. Z. Gerontol. Geriatr. 2006; 39(4): 292-296.

Affiliation

Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Klinik für Geriatrische Rehabilitation, Auerbachstr. 110, 70397, Stuttgart, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00391-006-0399-x

PMID

16900449

Abstract

OBJECTIVE : To examine the impact of a fall prevention programme over a 12 month follow-up period after the introduction of a RCT and to describe possible differences between incidence density rate of falls associated with caregiver time during weekends and ordinary working days. DESIGN : Prospective observational study, duration 12 months. SETTING : Six community nursing homes, Germany. PARTICIPANTS : Long-stay residents (n=881); 771 resident years; median age 85.0 years (min 60; max 101); 79.1% female. MEASUREMENTS : Incidence density rate of falls and fractures, staff time per resident. RESULTS : The incidence density rate over all days was 1367/1000 resident years (RY) for falls [95% confidence interval 1041;1693]. The incidence density rate of hip fractures was 29/1000 RY [95% confidence interval 12;45] and 29/1000 RY [95% confidence interval 12;45] for non-hip fractures. The incidence density rate showed similar results comparing weekends/ public holidays vs normal working days; falls 1193 vs 1447/ 1000 RY; hip fractures 25 vs 30/ 1000 RY and other fractures 16 vs 34/1000 RY. CONCLUSION : During the period, we observed a marked decline of the fracture rate compared with the controlled phase of the intervention trial. A lower number of nursing care hours on weekends was not associated with a higher incidence density rate for falls, fallers, or any type of fracture.

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