Nursing interventions in prevention of fall in older adults; An Integrated review study

Falls are one of the most common and serious problems in the elderly, having a threatening consequence for them. Therefore, finding the most effective nursing interventions to maintain the health and safety of this age group is very necessary, so this study was conducted to investigate the nursing interventions performed in field of the elderly falling.

By searching the databases; SID, IranDoc, Google scholar, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct and using the keywords "Elder", "Prevention", "Intervention" and "Fall/Falling"; all articles examining nursing interventions in prevention of falling in older adults, were included in the study. Electronic search was performed during 2015-2021. From 72 studies which were reviewed and screened, 20 studies were evaluated and analyzed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria for data extraction.

Findings of 20 selected studies showed; falling is one of the most important harmful factors for older adults that have adverse effects on their health status. According to the findings, making the environment safer, performing periodic examinations, teaching safe and self-care behaviors to the elderly, adjusting medication and exercising are the most effective steps to reduce and moderate the risk of fall in the elderly.

According to reviewed studies, despite the fact that old age, due to physical and mental limitations, puts older adults at a higher risk of falling, but with a set of measures, the risk and injury extent can be reduced. Maintaining the elderly health and preventing their injuries is one of the most important health care providers’ duties and can provide a dynamic and qualified period for them, so trying to find effective interventions to prevent and reduce risk of falling in these people should always be considered.