Authors' objectives: This issue of Effectiveness Matters summarises the evidence about the effectiveness and implementation of interventions to prevent falls in hospitals. The bulletin is based on existing sources of synthesised and quality-assessed evidence and NICE guidance: Falls: assessment and prevention of falls in older people

Authors' recommendations: Falls in hospital impact on quality of life and health, and cost the NHS more than £2.3 billion per year. An individualised falls risk assessment is essential to identify targeted prevention interventions. The use of single or multicomponent interventions is effective in reducing the risk of falls in hospitals. Effective components in prevention programmes include: engagement of front-line staff in the design of interventions, use of falls data, attitiude change away from the inevitability of falls and training to promote guidance. Board and ward level leadership and support are consistently associated with implementation success. Ongoing monitoring of adherence is important for the maintenance of long-term changes.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2014

URL for published report: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/pdf/effectiveness-matters-august-2014-falls%20in%20hospitals.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: University of York

Contact Address: University of York, York, Y01 5DD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1904 321040, Fax: +44 1904 321041,

Contact Name: crd@york.ac.uk

Contact Email: crd@york.ac.uk

Copyright: University of York