Falls

Appendix F - provides a summary of related approaches and tools for assessing fall risk. The tools are categorized as follows: gait and balance; general fall risk and fear of falls. It is important for the organization to review the findings to support selection of tools for settings and population(s) served noting that other tools are available that address specific risk factors. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.  (2017).  Appendix F of RNAO Prevention of Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls Best Practice Guideline. (4th Ed.).  Toronto, ON: Author. (p.92-97)  

This tip sheet from Smart Tips for Stroke Care highlights key considerations for supporting individuals experiencing altered muscle tone, loss of coordination, changes in sensation and decreased body awareness after a stroke. Smart Tips for Stroke Care (2023) was created by members of the Regional Stroke Networks of Ontario. 

This table lists common components of universal falls precautions that health care organizations can determine which precautions are applicable to their setting. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.  (2017).  Appendix K of RNAO Prevention of Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls Best Practice Guideline. (4th Ed.).  Toronto, ON: Author. (p.113)  

Table 18 summarizes different approaches to exercise and physical training interventions with varying degrees of effectiveness. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.  (2017).  Appendix H of RNAO Prevention of Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls Best Practice Guideline. (4th Ed.).  Toronto, ON: Author. (p.104-107.)  

Example of a form for documentation from St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton on falls debriefing and action plan. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.  (2017).  Appendix J: Example: Falls debriefing and action plan from St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton (Ontario, Canada) of RNAO Prevention of Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls Best Practice Guideline. (4th Ed.). Toronto, ON: Author. (p.111-112.)  

A flow chart that summarizes the steps, context, and considerations in falls prevention and injury reduction. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.  (2017).  RNAO Prevention of Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls Best Practice Guideline. (4th Ed.).  Toronto, ON: Author. (p.24)

Example signage of Intentional Hourly Rounding Poster from Fraser Health, British Columbia, Canada. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.  (2017).  Appendix K of RNAO Prevention of Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls Best Practice Guideline. (4th Ed.). Toronto, ON: Author. (p.115)  

Table-14, 15, 16 and 17 summarize evidence from the reviewed literature on specific fall prevention and injury reduction interventions. They are organized according to the benefit of the interventions. Health-care providers use clinical judgment to determine if interventions apply to their settings. Table 14: interventions with strong evidence of benefit. Table 15: interventions that have potential benefit. Table 16: interventions with mixed findings. Table 17: interventions with insufficient evidence of benefit. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.  (2017).  Appendix G of RNAO Prevention of Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls Best Practice Guideline. (4th Ed.).  Toronto, ON: Author. (p.98-103)  

Tables 10, 11 and 12 list of risk factors that include fall risk factors, health conditions associated with increased risk of falls, and factors associated with increased risk of falls injury. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.  (2017).  Appendix E of RNAO Prevention of Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls Best Practice Guideline. (4th Ed.).  Toronto, ON: Author. (p.88-91.)  

Table 19 provides a list of medication resources for use in fall prevention and reduction of injury from falls. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.  (2017).  Appendix I of RNAO Prevention of Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls Best Practice Guideline. (4th Ed.).  Toronto, ON: Author. (p.108.)  

This tip sheet from Smart Tips for Stroke Care highlights key considerations for supporting individuals experiencing mobility changes after a stroke. Smart Tips for Stroke Care (2023) was created by members of the Regional Stroke Networks of Ontario. 

This factsheet on describes why freezing occurs in Parkinson disease and how it increases a resident’s chances of falling. It provides  tips to help prevent freezing and related falls. It is useful for family or resident education. Source: Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC. Freezing.     

Table 20 is a description of resources available to support post fall assessments. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.  (2017).  Appendix J of RNAO Prevention of Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls Best Practice Guideline. (4th Ed.).  Toronto, ON: Author. (p.109-110)  

A tool to assist with comparing your organization’s current practice with evidence-based RNAO best practice recommendations. Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (2022). Opportunity Analysis- Preventing Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls. Toronto, ON.

A summary of the recommendations of RNAOs Best Practice Guideline on Preventing Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls (4th ed.). Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.  (2017).  RNAO Prevention of Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls Best Practice Guideline. (4th Ed.).  Toronto, ON: Author. (p.11-14).  

This falls prevention poster from Fraser Health, includes tips for safer environments, assisted mobility, fall risk reduction and engaging the client and family. It also has tips related to hourly rounding, Sources: Degelau et al., 2012; Scott, 2013; Wallis & Campbell, 2011. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.  (2017).  RNAO Prevention of Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls Best Practice Guideline. (4th Ed.).  Toronto, ON: Author. Pg. 115