RESEARCH ACTION

Research Action in Poster Presentation

Research Action in Poster Presentation

Introduction

Research is important to nursing practice because it aids the understanding of health related problem and provides solution. This assignment will identify the aims of a research poster designed for 'prevention of falls in elderly'. A justification of selecting fall prevention as a topic will be given and critically examine the body of evidence used to support the poster. Finally an attempt will be made to discuss the advantage and limitation of the poster and its relevance to practice within health and social care (Parahoo, 2006, p.1).

Objective of Research in Poster Presentation

The aims for this research poster 'fall prevention' is to disseminate information through rising awareness, highlight evidence based intervention for assessment and prevention of falls in older people at risk or with history of falls (Miller, 2007, p.311). This topic was chosen as a result of wide evidence suggesting that fall rates among older people is higher in the UK (see Appendix A). Also whilst on clinical placement it noticed that older adult, who previously experienced a fall, would quite often be re-admitted to hospital within a short period of time as a result of a further fall. Hence, the need to highlight evidence based intervention currently use in prevent falls among older people.

The World Health Organisation (WHO, 2004) defines 'fall' as an event which result a person coming to rest on the ground or floor or other lower level. Dionyssiotis, (2012) state that fall is one of the most frequent and serious problem facing older people and is associated with, morbidly, mortality and reduce functionality in older people.

Discussion

Empirical Evidences

Vieira et al. (2011) qualitative study conducts 28 semi-structured interviews with 10 patients aged 65 years and above. Their study concentrated on risk factors for falls and measures to prevent falls. They establish that most falls happened while standing, walking or during transfers (P value <0.001). Roe et al. (2009) used a similar approach in their study to interview 27 older adults who had a recent fall, aged 65 years and above. They recommended that prevention strategies are adapted to promote independence and enable activities of daily living such as moving furniture, moving rug, making everyday objects more reachable or replacing old worn footwear

Resnick (2002) in a descriptive cross-sectional survey proposes that consideration of risk factors is important when planning falls prevention programmes to ensure useful and engaging interventions are developed. Cheal (2001) Qualitative study in-depth interview, advocates that fall intervention programmes should address the issue of self-efficacy in older people in order to ensure an effective outcome.

Faes, et al (2010) qualitative study evaluated the impact of falling in frail older person and family caregiver. Their study indicates that low level of self-efficacy related to low impaired cognitive ability is one of the contributing factors of fall in older people. However, this is in contrast to Yardley et al (2006) qualitative study semi-structured interviews of 11 participants revealed that denial of fall is the main barriers to fall ...