Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

CG161/1

Question

Environmental adaptations aimed at reducing the risk of falling in older inpatients:- What environmental adaptations can be made in existing inpatient units, and should be considered when inpatient units are built, to reduce the risk of falls and injuries in older inpatients?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- Dementia, delirium, poor mobility and balance, urgent or frequent toilet needs or incontinence and visual impairment are common in older hospital patients. Several multifactorial studies have included adjustments to the ward environment that have plausible mechanisms for reducing falls in patients with these risk factors (such as improved lighting, changes to flooring, furniture, handholds, walking routes, lines of sight and signposting), but the impact of these changes has not been recorded. There is a need to understand which improvements to the inpatient environment are the most effective and cost-effective for preventing falls and injuries in hospital, and the factors that architects should take into account when designing new hospitals.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Falls in older people: assessing risk and prevention

Number

CG161

Date issued

June 2013

Other details