The costs and outcomes of falls: what's a nursing administrator to do?

Abstract

Falls affect older people in every healthcare setting, causing significant morbidity and mortality. With the aging population, we can expect rates of falling to increase. Nurses and nursing administrators are challenged to prevent injuries and address this multifactorial problem, and nurses are on the front lines of care and in a position to make a difference. Evidence-based measures have been identified, but implementation and management of falls continue to be difficult. Nursing administrators need a clear understanding of the dynamics of falling and the current evidence for their particular setting to ensure that their nurses have the tools to implement appropriate programs and interventions.