Developing the Principles of Falls Management in Care Homes: An expert Consensus Process

Abstract

Context: Managing falls in care homes requires an individualised approach for each resident with involvement of staff from care homes and the wider health and social care system. A large randomised controlled trial evaluating an individualised falls management programme (Action FALLS) demonstrated positive findings. However, the delivery of the key components of such programmes is still unclear. Greater understanding of the core components of falls management programmes is needed to support future implementation research. Objective: To establish expert consensus on the core components of falls management for older care home residents. Methods: A modified Nominal Group Technique included the development of a draft set of principles through a scoping review of the grey literature (published elsewhere) and a one-off online nominal group with care home staff and clinicians. Following the group, a single online survey was circulated to gain agreement on the final principles. Findings: 10 participants (including healthcare professionals, care home managers, and care home staff) took part in the online nominal group. Thirty-five core principles of falls management were developed within the domains of theoretical approach, assessments, interventions, training, time points, wider systems, and governance and reporting. Limitations: Since a small number of experts took part in this consensus process from a large and diverse care home sector, it is important to consider the principles as providing support for future implementation work. Implications: These core principles provide a foundation to guide care homes in managing falls in care home residents. Further research is needed to develop implementation strategies and test the feasibility of embedding the principles in routine practice.