Evaluating Individualized Falls Prevention for Clients with Medically Complex Conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACTAims: To evaluate mobility outcomes and concerns about falling for community dwelling medically complex clients (MCCs) participating in an individualized falls prevention clinic. Methods: A quantitative retrospective chart review with one group pretest, posttest design compared four outcome measures of Gait Speed, 30 Second Sit-to-Stand Test, Timed Up and Go, and The Falls Efficacy Scale International. Consecutive participants discharged from the Falls Prevention Clinic between January 2014 and December 2014 were screened. Paired t-test was used to determine outcome measure significance. Descriptive statistics and analysis of participant satisfaction surveys were completed. Results: Sixty-nine participants were included. Over 75% of participants had at least one fall in the past year and average number of falls totaled five. Statistical significance was achieved on all four outcome measures. Conclusions: An individualized, multifactorial approach appears to benefit MCCs despite average outcome measure scores still indicating a falls risk. Further examination of defining falls risk for MCCs is warranted.