Fall Risk Assessment for Older Adults

Topical area 

The project is an EBP noting that it aims at providing a better approach to assess the risk for falling that patients have based on gender, emotional status, and dizziness symptoms ( Hendrich, 2013) . The project can be viewed as both qualitative and quantitative since it involves observation of non-numerical data and scoring such data numerically.

Significance and Uniqueness 

The topic of study can be rated as very good (4), noting that it is important to nurses in helping them to reduce the risk of falls in older adults while it is also critical for patients in enhancing prompt intervention and treatment.

Conformity to NINR research priorities 

Conformity to the NINR research priorities can be rated as excellent (5) since implementing the practice will result in better outcomes through prompt interventions and treatment of clients. Also, it will reduce the cost of care significantly while promoting the quality of practice.

Soundness of methods 

The methods used would be rated as very good (4) since the project is being conducted in adult acute care, assisted living, long term care, and ambulatory care, which are places where the EBP can be best implemented. The rationale for the EBP can be rated as very good (4) since a good background has been given in support of why older adults are at higher risk of falls with repeated fall tools assessments having been used in predicting a change in the condition signaling a fall risk ( Hendrich, 2013) . The resource sufficiency can be termed as fair (2) since no timelines, budgets, and personnel plans have been given. However, it has been indicated that the Hendrich II Fall Risk Model can be put in existing electronic health platforms or documentation forms with permission.

Feasibility 

The project’s feasibility can be rated as excellent (5) since it is easy to implement, includes “risky” medication categories, and draws sharp focus on specific risk areas. Also, the model can be used to monitor falls over time.

Potential for future research and funding 

The EBP potential scores an excellent score (5) because it is contributing much towards nursing practice and care delivery. Further research may be done regarding how the EBP can reduce falls further.

Overall score 

The EBP can be rated as very good (4) overall, noting that it has been put forward in an organized, clear, and detailed way with a total score of 32 out of 40.

Reference

Hendrich, A. (2013). Fall risk assessment for older adults: The Hendrick II fall risk model. Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing. Available at: http://consultgerirn. org/uploads/File/trythis/try_this_8. pdf .