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Department
Nursing
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Abstract
Falls are a prominent health issue for the older adult population. They are a leading cause of injuries, healthcare-related expenses, morbidity, and mortality in older adults. As the size of the elderly population grows, the importance of fall prevention increases. This project aimed to identify and educate older adult patients at risk for falling by implementing clinical staff education, a fall risk screening tool, and patient education at an urban family medicine clinic. Staff at the clinic were educated on implementing a fall risk screening and education protocol for patients aged 65 and above who came to the clinic for a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit or a fall-related appointment. The project was implemented over eight weeks. A paper screening tool and data collection form were utilized to track and document the data. A total of 55 fall risk screenings were completed. 36.4% of patients screened at risk for falling, and 63.6% screened not at risk. 100% of patients who screened at risk received education. More fall risk screenings were completed during the project intervention than during the pre-intervention period. As a result, more patients were identified as at risk for falling and provided with fall prevention education. The project results imply that the clinic should continue implementing the protocol and demonstrate the importance and effects of incorporating fall prevention practices into routine outpatient care.
Keywords
older adults, falls, fall risk screening, education
Advisor
Jenny Manry
Date of Award
Spring 2025
Document Type
DNP Project
Recommended Citation
Darnell, Katelyn, "Implementing an Older Adult Fall Risk Screening and Education Protocol in an Urban Family Medicine Clinic" (2025). Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice. 3281.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/3281
Rights
© The Author
