Development, implementation and evaluation of a falls prevention program in a community palliative care organisation

People requiring palliative care in the home setting are at risk of falls. Risk of falls is increased in this population due to many factors. Whilst falls prevention programs in inpatient environments are well developed, these types of programs are not easily replicated in the home setting.

Eastern Palliative Care [EPC] which provides specialist palliative care to a large population in the Eastern Metropolitan region has developed and implemented, over a two year period, a falls prevention program which is applicable to the community setting.

This program involved educating staff in falls risk assessment and care planning relating to falls prevention. Implementation also involved development of a booklet to guide the clients and carers about falls prevention in the home setting.

EPC developed a computer based program called PalCare. PalCare was used to initially identify all clients who had experienced falls or near misses whilst in the care of EPC. PalCare also assisted us to explore the implementation and evaluation of the program and to audit staff involvement and effectiveness.

This program has been evaluated since implementation. Initial evaluation has been very promising and revealed a 50% reduction in falls. Further evaluation is due to take place in March 2009.