Date
12-2020
Department
School of Nursing
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Chair
Lynne Sanders
Keywords
Falls, Aging, Expense, Causes, Intervention, Reimbursement
Disciplines
Nursing
Recommended Citation
White, Regina M., "Implementation of a Fall Risk Assessment Tool in Primary Practice May Decrease Fall Frequency in the Aging Population" (2020). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 2768.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/2768
Abstract
The purpose of this evidence-based project was to illustrate the benefits of utilizing a fall risk assessment tool during office visits for the aging population of a Midwestern U.S. primary care practice. Utilization of this tool helped minimize fall frequency, thus improved quality of health. The reduction in falls helped minimize unnecessary healthcare expenses. This manuscript identified a rationale for the project, specific tool utilization, outcome measures before and after implementation, limitations, and future application for practice. Provider compliance with tool utilization and frequency were measured. Multiple potential causes of falls and recommendations to minimize falls were identified with the intent of strengthening the importance of tool use. A reduction in fall frequency resulted in the adoption of policy change across the organization. All adult primary care providers within the organization were required to implement the fall risk tool during all annual office visits and as needed.
