Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | The nurse's role in the prevention of falls in the elderly |
|---|---|
| Name | Muscogiuri Nataly |
| Supervisor(s) | Mussi Chiara |
| Academic Year | 2013/14 |
| Thesis type | Research thesis |
Abstract
Falls in the elderly are a priority for public health services because of their frequency, the use of institutionalization that is associated with its results, the high probability of causing or worsening disability and high mortality.
This paper aims, in fact, through a systematic review of the literature, to identify what are the most effective prevention interventions to reduce this phenomenon.
The analysis shows that the use of personalised multidisciplinary approaches starting with the identification of those at risk of falling, through the use of appropriate validated scales, the screening of risk factors to which the subject is exposed, coupled with pharmacological, environmental and behavioural interventions, lead to a decreased risk of falls.
Effective interventions for falls prevention appear to be the implementation of individualized exercise, the periodical review of medication, educating patients and caregivers about prevention strategies, changing the environment in order to remove risks, and the proper use of walking aids.
Another objective is to define the role of the family nurse and the importance of this figure for the attainment of promoting good health.