scholarly journals Patients’ thoughts on their falls in a rehabilitation hospital: a qualitative study of patients with stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saika Aihara ◽  
Shin Kitamura ◽  
Masayuki Dogan ◽  
Sachiko Sakata ◽  
Kunitsugu Kondo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Positive Thinking ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Comprehensive Information ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Risky Behaviours ◽  
Past Experiences ◽  
Need For Rehabilitation

Abstract Background Patients with stroke in rehabilitation wards are at an increased risk of falling. Although patients’ participation in establishing medical safety is considered crucial, there is limited evidence on their perspectives of falls. This study aims to comprehensively elucidate the subjective falling experience of patients with stroke who have been admitted to rehabilitation wards. Methods Twenty-three consecutive patients with stroke (44 to 90 years) who experienced a fall during hospitalisation were interviewed within 1 week after the fall, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Five themes surrounding fall events were extracted from the narratives: ‘Psychological background before the action’, ‘Support for the action’, ‘Direct causes of the fall’, ‘Patients’ awareness after the fall’, and ‘Changes in attitudes and behaviours after the fall’. ‘Psychological background before the action’ comprised hastiness or hesitation to call for help. Participants often took an action based on ‘Support for the action’ derived from their past experiences of moving safely, their confidence, and/or motivation to challenge themselves to move. ‘Direct causes of the fall’ consisted of unfamiliar actions, training fatigue, the surrounding environment, reduced physical function due to paralysis, lack of attention, overconfidence in their ability, and insufficient prediction of falls. ‘Patients’ awareness after the fall’ consisted of re-affirming difficult movements, the need for rehabilitation, a reduced ability to move, an increased risk of falling, the need for attention while moving, a fear of falling, and a lack of lessons learned from falling. Finally, patients demonstrated ‘Changes in attitudes and behaviours after the fall’ such as embodying a positive attitude to cope with the risk of falling or behavioural changes to reduce the risk of falling. Conclusions Comprehensive information on patients’ perspectives before and after the fall was elucidated, uncovering many aspects including the psychological background for why patients engaged in risky behaviours resulting in falls, presence of positive thinking, and behaviour after the fall. By incorporating the patients’ views on fall incidences and their assessment, we can develop appropriate prevention strategies against falls.

scholarly journals Paving the Way Toward Distinguishing Fallers From Non-fallers in Bilateral Vestibulopathy: A Wide Pilot Observation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nolan Herssens ◽  
Bieke Dobbels ◽  
Julie Moyaert ◽  
Raymond Van de Berg ◽  
Wim Saeys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Bilateral Vestibulopathy ◽  
Activities Of Daily Life ◽  
Increased Risk

Patients with bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) present with unsteadiness during standing and walking, limiting their activities of daily life and, more importantly, resulting in an increased risk of falling. In BVP patients, falls are considered as one of the major complications, with patients having a 31-fold increased risk of falling compared to healthy subjects. Thus, highlighting objective measures that can easily and accurately assess the risk of falling in BVP patients is an important step in reducing the incidence of falls and the accompanying burdens. Therefore, this study investigated the interrelations between demographic characteristics, vestibular function, questionnaires on self-perceived handicap and balance confidence, clinical balance measures, gait variables, and fall status in 27 BVP patients. Based on the history of falls in the preceding 12 months, the patients were subdivided in a “faller” or “non-faller” group. Results on the different outcome measures were compared between the “faller” and “non-faller” subgroups using Pearson's chi-square test in the case of categorical data; for continuous data, Mann–Whitney U test was used. Performances on the clinical balance measures were comparable between fallers and non-fallers, indicating that, independent from fall status, the BVP patients present with an increased risk of falling. However, fallers tended to report a worse self-perceived handicap and confidence during performing activities of daily life. Spatiotemporal parameters of gait did not differ between fallers and non-fallers during walking at slow, preferred, or fast walking speed. These results may thus imply that, when aiming to distinguish fallers from non-fallers, the BVP patients' beliefs concerning their capabilities may be more important than the moderately or severely affected physical performance within a clinical setting. Outcome measures addressing the self-efficacy and fear of falling in BVP patients should therefore be incorporated in future research to investigate whether these are indeed able to distinguish fallers form non-fallers. Additionally, information regarding physical activity could provide valuable insights on the contextual information influencing behavior and falls in BVP.

Somatosensory Impairments, Falls History and Fear of Falling in Glaucoma - A Survey Study Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-15
Author(s):  
Caitlin O’Connell ◽  
Gadi Wollstein ◽  
Ian P. Conner ◽  
Mark S. Redfern ◽  
Kevin C. Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Visual Field Deficits ◽  
The Relationship

The primary aim was to determine if somatosensory impairments alter the association between falls history and glaucoma severity. A secondary aim was to identify the activities of daily living that cause increased concern related to falling in glaucoma and their association with glaucoma severity. Established questionnaires about falls and fear of falling (FoF) were mailed to participants diagnosed with glaucoma. Ninety-eight participants responded. Self-reported feet numbness and tingling symptoms were used to determine the presence of somatosensory impairments. Self-reported falls in glaucoma are associated with visual field deficits in both eyes, particularly in the presence of somatosensory impairments. In addition, increased FoF levels are linked with worse visual field deficits in both eyes, especially when performing challenging walking tasks. Somatosensory impairments alter the relationship between falls risk and visual field deficits in glaucoma. This information may be helpful in identifying older workers at an increased risk of falling.

Cervicothoracic Mechanical Impairment as Part of Complete Neurological Fall Risk Appraisal

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Janine L. Johnston ◽  
Graham Featherstone ◽  
Shane L. Harms ◽  
Glen T. D. Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Risk Appraisal ◽  
Fall Risk Factors ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Restricted Mobility

ABSTRACT: Background: Assessment of individuals at risk for falling entails comprehensive neurological and vestibular examinations. Chronic limitation in cervical mobility reduces gaze accuracy, potentially impairing navigation through complex visual environments. Additionally, humans with scoliosis have altered otolithic vestibular responses, causing imbalance. We sought to determine whether dynamic cervical mobility restrictions or static cervicothoracic impairments are also fall risk factors. Methods: We examined 435 patients referred for soft-tissue musculoskeletal complaints; 376 met criteria for inclusion (mean age 52; 266 women). Patients were divided into nonfallers, single fallers, and multiple fallers, less or greater than 65 years old. Subject characteristics, dynamic cervical rotations, and static cervicothoracic axial measurements were compared between groups. Fear of falling was evaluated using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International questionnaire. Results: Long-standing cervicothoracic pain and stiffness conferred increased risk of falling. Neck rotation amplitudes decreased with longer duration musculoskeletal symptoms and were significantly more restricted in fallers, doubling the risk of falling and contributing to increased fear of falling. Mid-thoracic scoliosis amplitudes increased over time, but static axial abnormalities were not greater among fallers, although thoracic kyphoscoliosis heightened fear of falling. Conclusion: In patients at fall risk, thoracic kyphoscoliosis and dynamic neck movements should be assessed, in addition to standard vestibular and neurological evaluations. Additionally, patients with soft tissue cervicothoracic pain and restricted mobility have increased fall frequency and fear of falling, independent of other fall risk factors and should undergo complete fall risk appraisal.

scholarly journals Fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults presenting to the emergency department for minor injuries: Impact on return to the ED and future falls

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 692-700
Author(s):  
Marie-Pier Lanoue ◽  
Marie-Josée Sirois ◽  
Jeffrey J. Perry ◽  
Jacques Lee ◽  
Raoul Daoust ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Minor Injury ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Minor Injuries ◽  
A Minor

ABSTRACTObjectives1) To characterize mild, moderate, and severe fear of falling in older emergency department (ED) patients for minor injuries, and 2) to assess whether fear of falling could predict falls and returns to the ED within 6 months of the initial ED visit.MethodsThis study was part of the Canadian Emergency and Trauma Initiative (CETI) prospective cohort (2011–2016). Patients ages ≥ 65, who were independent in their basic daily activities and who were discharged from the ED after consulting for a minor injury, were included. Fear of falling was measured by the Short Falls Efficacy Scale International (SFES-I) in order to stratify fear of falling as mild (SFES-I = 7-8/28), moderate (SFES-I = 9-13/28), or severe (SFES-I = 14-28/28). Many other physical and psychological characteristics where collected. Research assistants conducted follow-up phone interviews at 3 and 6 months’ post-ED visit, in which patients were asked to report returns to the ED.ResultsA total of 2,899 patients were enrolled and 2,009 had complete data at 6 months. Patients with moderate to severe fear of falling were more likely to be of ages ≥ 75, female, frailer with multiple comorbidities, and decreased mobility. Higher baseline fear of falling increased the risk of falling at 3 and 6 months (odds ratio [OR]-moderate-fear of falling: 1.63, p < 0.05, OR-severe-fear of falling 2.37, p < 0.05). Fear of falling positive predictive values for return to the ED or future falls were 7.7% to 17%.ConclusionAlthough a high fear of falling is associated with increased risk of falling within 6 months of a minor injury in older patients, fear of falling considered alone was not shown to be a strong predictor of return to the ED and future falls.

scholarly journals The Effect of Parkinson’s Disease on the Step Response to a Backwards Pull

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly A. McVey ◽  
Antonis P. Stylianou ◽  
Carl W. Luchies ◽  
Kelly E. Lyons ◽  
Rajesh Pahwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Economic Impacts ◽  
Postural Instability ◽  
Step Response ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Increased Risk

Postural instability is one of the most disabling symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and often leads to falls. Falls can have severe physical, psychological, and economic impacts including fractures, fear of falling, and loss of independence [1]. Effective interventions to reduce fall risk exist [2, 3] and would be most effective if they could be implemented prior to a fall occurring. Unfortunately, the current methods to evaluate postural instability in PD are not sensitive enough to predict those who are at an increased risk of falling so it is difficult to identify the best time to begin fall interventions.

scholarly journals Prevención del riesgo de caída en adultos mayores con programa Kunte durante confinamiento por COVID-19 (Prevention older adults fall risk with Kunte program during COVID-19 confinement)

Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 236-243
Author(s):  
Manuel Villarroel Cerda ◽  
Matías Pozo Núñez ◽  
Cristián Díaz Escobar ◽  
Víctor Patricio Díaz Narváez
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Body Balance ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Quasi Experimental

  Introducción: La falta de actividad física e incremento de conductas sedentarias durante el confinamiento domiciliario de adultos mayores, debido al COVID-19, tendría como consecuencia, con el tiempo, un aumento del riesgo de caída en esta población. Objetivo: Disminuir el riesgo de caída en un grupo de adultos mayores con confinamiento domiciliario aplicando el programa de actividad física Kunte, concerniente en secuencias de movimientos de tipo oriental estructurados de acuerdo a fundamentos teórico-prácticos de la terapia física y metodológico-pedagógicos de la Educación Física. Métodos: Estudio de diseño exploratorio y cuasi experimental; aplicado en 35 adultos mayores (19 mujeres – 16 hombres), pertenecientes a la comuna de Maipú, Santiago, Chile. Durante un periodo de 3 meses, utilizando el Timed Up and Go y Prueba de Tinetti antes y después de la intervención con el programa Kunte. Resultados: Los estadísticos descriptivos determinaron en un antes y después de aplicado el programa Kunte diferencias significativas (p<0,05) y altamente significativas (p<0,005) para la prueba Tinetti y Timed Up and Go Test respectivamente, tanto en hombres como mujeres, en la valoración del riesgo de caída de adultos mayores; disminuyendo significativamente este riesgo en cuanto a su relación con el equilibrio corporal dinámico y la marcha. Conclusión: La aplicación del programa Kunte presentó resultados significativamente positivos al valorar el equilibrio corporal dinámico y la marcha, mediante pruebas funcionales relacionadas con el riesgo de caída en adultos mayores, en este caso con confinamiento domiciliario durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Abstract: Introduction: Lack of physical activity and increased sedentary behaviors during home confinement of older adults, due to COVID-19, would result, over time, in an increased risk of falling in this population. Objective: To reduce the risk of falling in a group of older adults in home confinement by applying the Kunte physical activity program, based on sequences of oriental-type movements structured according to the theoretical-practical foundations of physical therapy and the methodological-pedagogical principles of Physical Education. Methods: Exploratory and quasi-experimental design study; applied in 35 older adults (19 women - 16 men), belonging to the commune of Maipú, Santiago, Chile. During a period of 3 months, using the Timed Up and Go and Tinetti's Test before and after the intervention with the Kunte program. Results: Descriptive statistics determined significant (p<0.05) and highly significant (p<0.005) differences for the Tinetti and Timed Up and Go Test respectively, in both men and women, in the assessment of the risk of falling of older adults; significantly decreasing this risk in terms of its relationship with dynamic body balance and walking. Conclusion: The application of the Kunte program showed significantly positive results when assessing dynamic body balance and gait, through functional tests related to fall risk in older adults, in this case with home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessment of the Therapeutic Effect of Physiotherapy on Minimizing Imbalances of Geriatric Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-91
Author(s):  
Justyna Pawlak ◽  
Małgorzata Dudkiewicz ◽  
Łukasz Kikowski
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Therapeutic Effect ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Climbing Stairs ◽  
Tinetti Test

Introduction: The progressing aging process and comorbidities worsen the efficiency of the balance system in the elderly, which leads to a weakening of stability and, as a consequence, to falls and injuries. The first ones lead to: worsening of functioning, reduced mobility, an increased risk of disease and mortality, therefore systematic physical activity and shaping the balance using physiotherapy, which can prevent dangerous falls is very important. Aim: Assessment of the therapeutic effect of physiotherapy on minimizing imbalances in geriatric patients. M aterial and Methods: The study group consisted of 46 people, including 32 women (69.6%) and 14 men (30.4%); average age of respondents – 72.5 years. They were patients of the Department of Rehabilitation of Poddębice Health Center, Ltd. The researchers used a self-made questionnaire, body mass to height index (BMI) and the Tinetti Test. Results: Patients with an elevated BMI (89.1%), as well as those taking more than 4 medication (78.3%), have had more falls over the past year (respectively 91.4% and 81.4%). After the use of comprehensive therapy, none of the patients achieved a worse result than before the physiotherapy while 91.3% of the respondents had an increase in the number of points scored in the Tinetti Test. The percentage of patients at high risk of falling reduced from 67.4% to 37%. There was also a decrease in the fear of walking (in 58.7%), falling (in 57.7%) and climbing stairs (in 47.9%). According to 78.3% of respondents, physiotherapy positively affected their independence and quality of life. Conclusions: The use of comprehensive physiotherapy reduces the fear of walking, climbing stairs and falling, which can be a good predictor of prevention. Both polypragmasia and an elevated body mass index (BMI) increase the risk of falling. Comprehensive physiotherapy of geriatric patients helps to improve balance and gait stereotype. Physiotherapy for the elderly helps improve the quality of life, independence, minimize imbalances, and thus reduce the risk of falls. Balance exercises play an important role in preventing falls.

scholarly journals Safer primary healthcare facilities are needed to protect healthcare workers and maintain essential services: lessons learned from a multicountry COVID-19 emergency response initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. e005833
Author(s):  
Leena N Patel ◽  
Samantha Kozikott ◽  
Rodrigue Ilboudo ◽  
Moreen Kamateeka ◽  
Mohammed Lamorde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
National Level ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Health Facility Level ◽  
Ensure Patient Safety ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Facility Level

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of infection from SARS-CoV-2 and other disease pathogens, which take a disproportionate toll on HCWs, with substantial cost to health systems. Improved infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes can protect HCWs, especially in resource-limited settings where the health workforce is scarcest, and ensure patient safety and continuity of essential health services. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we collaborated with ministries of health and development partners to implement an emergency initiative for HCWs at the primary health facility level in 22 African countries. Between April 2020 and January 2021, the initiative trained 42 058 front-line HCWs from 8444 health facilities, supported longitudinal supervision and monitoring visits guided by a standardised monitoring tool, and provided resources including personal protective equipment (PPE). We documented significant short-term improvements in IPC performance, but gaps remain. Suspected HCW infections peaked at 41.5% among HCWs screened at monitored facilities in July 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic in Africa. Disease-specific emergency responses are not the optimal approach. Comprehensive, sustainable IPC programmes are needed. IPC needs to be incorporated into all HCW training programmes and combined with supportive supervision and mentorship. Strengthened data systems on IPC are needed to guide improvements at the health facility level and to inform policy development at the national level, along with investments in infrastructure and sustainable supplies of PPE. Multimodal strategies to improve IPC are critical to make health facilities safer and to protect HCWs and the communities they serve.

scholarly journals Balance and motion coordination parameters can be improved in patients with type 2 diabetes with physical balance training: non-randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Artur Stolarczyk ◽  
Igor Jarzemski ◽  
Bartosz M. Maciąg ◽  
Kuba Radzimowski ◽  
Maciej Świercz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Muscle Coordination ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a cause of multiple complications, including retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy. These complications are well understood and believed to contribute to gait instability. Poor balance control and increased falling risk have also been reported in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Patients with DPN have increased risk of falling due to decreased proprioceptive feedback. Effective balance training should improve postural control in patients with DPN. For this purpose further evaluation was conducted and balance training was designed. Methods The goal of our study was to determine values of proprioception, balance, muscle coordination and strength in patients with T2D and analyze whether biofeedback balance training with use of the Biodex Balance System could improve these parameters. To assess the fall risk the general stability index (GSI), the index of frontal-posterior (FPI) and medial–lateral (MLI) stability were evaluated. 37 patients with diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited to this study. Their results were compared with control group consisting of 41 healthy participants who were homogenic to the study group in terms of age and body mass index (BMI). Results There were statistically significant differences between patients with diabetes compared to healthy subjects in GSI (2.79 vs 1.1), FPI (1.66 vs 0.7), MLI (0.88 vs 0.52) and risk of falling (5.18 vs 2.72) p < 0.05. There were also statistically significant changes before and after training in all stability indices (GSI: 2.79 vs 1.26, FPI: 1.66 vs 0.77, MLI: 0.88 vs 0.54 accordingly) p < 0.05 and risk of falling (5.18 vs 3.87) p < 0.05 in the study group who had undergone training with biofeedback. Conclusions This study found that there is a decreased balance and motor coordination and an increased risk of falling in patients with type 2 diabetes. These parameters improved in patients who have undergone training programme with biofeedback. Furthermore, an age-dependent deprivation of static balance was observed along with an increased risk of falling as a result of increasing BMI.

scholarly journals 24-Months Cluster-Randomized Intervention Trial of a Targeted Fall Prevention Program in a Primary Care Setting

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Hentschke ◽  
Martin Halle ◽  
Barbara Geilhof ◽  
Peter Landendoerfer ◽  
Wolfgang Blank ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Care Setting ◽  
Primary Care Setting ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Injurious Falls ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Abstract Background Falls and fall-related injuries are common in community-dwelling older persons. Longitudinal data on effective fall prevention programs are rare. Objective Therefore, we evaluated a 4-months multi-component exercise fall prevention program in a primary care setting on long-term effects over 24 months on falls and concomitant injuries in older community-dwelling persons with high risk of falling. Design and Setting In the Prevention of Falls (PreFalls) study, forty general practitioners in Germany were cluster-randomized (1:1) into an intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). Three hundred seventy-eight independently living people with high risk of falling (78.1 ± 5.9 years, 75% women) were assigned to IG (n = 222) or CG (n = 156). Intervention and Measurements Patients in IG took part in a 4-months multi-component exercise program comprising strength and balance exercises (28 sessions); patients in CG received no intervention. Primary outcome measure was number of falls over 24 months, analyzed by a patient-level, linear mixed Poisson model. Secondary endpoints were number of fall-related injuries, changes in physical function, fear of falling, and mortality. Results After 24 months, the IG demonstrated significantly fewer falls (IRR = 0.63, p = 0.021), injurious falls (IRR = 0.69, p = 0.034), and less fear of falling (p = 0.005). The mortality rate was 5.0% in IG and 10.3% in CG (HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.24 to 1.12; p = 0.094). Conclusions In older community-dwelling persons with high risk of falling, a short-term multi-component exercise intervention reduced falls and injurious falls, as well as fear of falling over 24 months.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document