Applied Nursing Research
Volume 20, Issue 1 , Pages 2-9, February 2007

Challenges to implementing an APN-facilitated falls management program in long-term care☆

  • Elizabeth Capezuti, PhD, RN, FAAN

      Affiliations

    • John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing, New York University College of Nursing, New York, NY 10003, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +1 212-998-5376; fax: +1 212 995 4770.
    • ,
  • Jo Taylor, MPH, RN

      Affiliations

    • Emory Center for Health in Aging, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
    • ,
  • Holly Brown, MSN, APRN-BC

      Affiliations

    • Emory Center for Health in Aging, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
    • Department of Adult Nursing, Emory University School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
    • ,
  • Harry S. Strothers III, MD, MMM

      Affiliations

    • Department of Family Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30311, USA
    • ,
  • Joseph G. Ouslander, MD

      Affiliations

    • Emory Center for Health in Aging, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
    • Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
    • Birmingham/Atlanta VA GRECC, Decatur, GA 30033, USA

Received 20 August 2005; accepted 21 November 2005.

Abstract 

Although several clinical studies have demonstrated success in reducing falls among nursing home residents, the degree of adherence to these strategies varies widely among studies and facilities, especially following the removal of external consultants or advance practice nurses (APNs). This article identified contextual factors that challenged the effective implementation of a falls reduction program. For nurses, the major problems with implementing the project involved inadequate nursing assessment and clinical decision making. APNs who influence nursing staff behavior via education and individual resident consultation may fill the critical gap in professional nursing care in nursing homes.

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☆ This study was funded by grant 5P20HS011588-03 from the Agency for Health Care Research Quality as part of the Developmental Center for Evaluation and Research in Patient Safety in Long-Term Care.

PII: S0897-1897(06)00125-X

doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2005.11.002

Applied Nursing Research
Volume 20, Issue 1 , Pages 2-9, February 2007

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