[Implement Fall Prevention Policy among Elderly in a Nursing Home in Qatar]

by

Abstract

Falls among the elderly is increasingly being recognized as an issue of concern in both developed and developing countries. Falls in the elderly may precipitate adverse physical, medical, psychological, social and economic consequences. In Qatar, there are no exhaustive studies or literature that have fully captured the epidemiology, aetiology or impact of such falls, though there is evidence to suggest that it is an issue that warrants some attention. This paper, through the use of qualitative methods sought to gain insights on the situation regarding falls among the elderly in Qatar. Through literature reviews, canvassing of medicals records, conducting focus groups and interviews, perspectives were gleaned on falls among elderly persons in Qatar. Contributory and risk factors, and perceptions and costs were explored, as were any existing fall prevention policies or policy thrusts. The emerging picture is that falls are not a rare occurrence among older persons in Qatar and extrinsic factors such as poor road surfaces, poorly constructed steps and poor design of public transportation vehicles etc. are factors that cause falls in the local setting. Similarly, intrinsic factors related to co-morbid condition such as hypertension, diabetes and sensory impairment appear to also contribute to increased risk of falling.

ABSTRACTII

LIST OF TABLESIV

1: INTRODUCTION1

1.1 Introduction1

1.2Nature of the change2

1.3Context of the change3

1.4 Aims and objectives.4

1.5 Summary4

2: LITERATURE REVIEW7

2.1 Introduction7

2.2 Fall10

2.3 Epidemiology of falls in the nursing home13

2.4 Risk factors associated with fall among elderly/ in nursing home14

2.5 Consequences of fall (physical/ psychological)16

2.6 Fall prevention practice in nursing home/ hospitals19

2.7 Methods of literature review25

2.8 Summary26

3. CHANGE MODEL29

3.1 Introduction29

3.2 Steps Of Implementing The HSE Change Model31

3.3 Summary40

4. EVALUATION42

4.1 Introduction42

4.2 Evaluation tools42

4.5 Summary44

5. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION46

5.1Introduction46

5.2Strengths and limitations of the project46

5.3Change Outcome47

5.4Recommendations51

5.5Conclusion53

REFLECTION55

REFERENCES59

List Of Tables

Table 5.1………………………………………………………………………………………49

Table 5. 2………………………………………………………………………………………50

1: Introduction

1.1 Introduction

Over the past three decades Qatar has invested billions of riyals in developing its health services, which has resulted in significant improvements in the delivery of these services and in the health status of the population as reflected in all the health indicators (Close 1999). By investing in primary health care the Ministry of Health has achieved a high status of health in Qatar in comparison with the developed countries. The Government in its strategic intent to be a regional centre of excellence for health care is reorganizing and developing the national health system. Nursing home residents are one of the most at-risk populations for injuries and deaths resulting from falls. Facilities with 100 beds average as many as 100 to 200 falls per year. Preventing falls in nursing homes and hospitals is an essential part of the everyday care of patients and residents. Fall prevention strategies and risk management in nursing homes and hospitals are also terms used and approaches taken to prevent falls(Robertson et al 2001).

The National Health Authority, which was established in 2005 aims at providing the medical preventive and treatment services and supervising over the provision of public health services at home and the medical treatment of Qatari nationals ...