Implementing STEADI to Enhance Fall Preventative Measures in Aging Community-Dwelling Veterans

Abstract

Purpose. This quality improvement project centered on enhancing knowledge and increasing confidence for primary care providers in recognizing fall risk factors in aging veterans and recommending appropriate interventions through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) toolkit. Background. Accidental falls are the most common cause of injury-related deaths and hospitalizations in the United States’ older adult population. The consequences of falls are often detrimental to this populace resulting in physical trauma, psychological distress, and decreased life expectancy. Additionally, the fall costs are staggering and account for a high percentage of the American healthcare dollar annually. Preventing falls in older adults is achievable by recognizing risk factors and recommending interventions, but primary care providers often overlook fall assessments. Synthesis of the literature indicates that primary care providers can mitigate fall risks by assessing for key indicators. Methods. This quality improvement project incorporated a descriptive design using a one-group, pre, and post-test design to compare knowledge and confidence in assessing fall risks and recommending interventions. Participants were asked to complete a survey before and directly after an educational session with demographic-based information knowledge questions. The education session was given via recorded video. Participants were also offered a laminated algorithm for quick reference. Data was collected from the surveys and analyzed to summarize the findings. Results. Key findings include an overall knowledge increase for all members of the PACT team regarding falls in community-dwelling older adults. Comfort levels were initially higher than the literature predicted, but participants felt they could enhance their current practice with elements from the STEADI toolkit. Overall, most participants attested to their willingness to screen or assess for fall risks in the aging veteran population. Conclusions. This project suggests that educational interventions may be a tool to increase fall prevention knowledge and keep primary care staff updated on innovative ways to prevent falls in their patients. The staff at SAVAHC already have the foundational confidence to improve outcomes for older adults regarding fall prevention. More research is needed to explore pathways to integrate fall prevention into the workflow and workplace culture.