Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the effectiveness of educational interventions for fall prevention implemented in hospitals, at homes and nursing homes. Method: this is a systematic review, carried out based on the guiding question: what is the effectiveness of isolated educational interventions for preventing falls in adults and the elderly developed in experimental studies? The search took place in the electronic databases: Scopus, PubMed/PMC, Web of Science, CINAHL, SciELO, Cochrane and EMBASE. The exposure factor was the educational intervention on preventing falls, and as outcomes: reducing fall rates, improving knowledge, awareness and adherence to preventive care for adult and elderly patients. Only randomized controlled trials, in all languages and published between 2011 and 2020 were included. Results: 1,474 articles were identified, of which 16 were included. Four studies did not show effectiveness related to fall prevention. As common characteristics, these studies were carried out with elderly patients and without one-to-one follow-up. The others were effective in reducing falls and/or improving knowledge and were mostly studies with personalized interventions, carried out by nurses and mediated by educational technologies. Conclusion: educational interventions are effective for preventing falls in the home, hospital and nursing homes. Studies have shown a reduction in fall rates, improved knowledge and engagement in prevention strategies.
Highlights
Falls are events that occur when a person inadvertently falls on the floor or at a lower level during displacement, or when he is unbalanced and needs support for support, even if he does not reach the floor[1]
The studies included in this review assessed the unique effects of educational interventions for fall prevention, which were predominantly directed at the elderly population in a hospital environment
Educational interventions are effective for preventing falls in the home, hospital and nursing homes (NH) environment, resulting in reduced rates, improved knowledge and engagement in prevention strategies
Summary
Falls are events that occur when a person inadvertently falls on the floor or at a lower level during displacement, or when he is unbalanced and needs support for support, even if he does not reach the floor[1]. Most falls-related injuries are not fatal, approximately 37.3 million cases require medical attention each year[1]. They can cause significant pain and discomfort to patients, affect confidence in moving, lead to loss of independence and serious long-term health problems[2]. Faced with this setting, falls have become the focus of health care and are becoming increasingly important in the face of the negative impacts on the functionality of people who fall and on the direct and indirect costs to health systems[3]. The main intervention categories include vitamin D supplementation at home and nursing homes (NH), exercise and assistive technologies in subacute hospital settings, interventions in the social environment and health education at home and hospital[4]
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