The theoretical frameworks used in this project are composed of the concept of patient engagement and the levels of prevention model. When patients have knowledge, skills, and willingness, they are more likely to engage and involve in their own health care. Patient engagement occurs when patients actively participate in the patient-centered interventions; it requires a collaboration between patients and healthcare providers (Tzeng, Yin, & Fitzgerald, 2015). Patient engagement relies on an effective communication strategy, which include motivated conversation, active listening, and empathic discussion (Huey-Ming, 2014). Additionally, the benefits of patient engagement have shown in many studies such as improving patient …show more content…
The model was first offered by Hugh Leavell and E. Gurney Clark in 1974. The model divided the preventive measure into three level: primary, secondary, and tertiary level of prevention. Primary level focuses on preventing new onset of diseases or avoiding the event from happening (AstroHealth.com, n.d.; CurrentNursing.com, 2012). The examples of intervention that involve primary prevention for falls include increase exercise to improve gait and balance stability, tidying up the cluttered stairs and hallway, or installing grab bars in the shower. Secondary prevention focuses on identifying people who are at risk of developing diseases, which include conducting screening and testing, or providing routine checkup (Learning House Admin, 2012). Generally, falls risk increases as people ages. Secondary level of fall prevention involves identifying persons who are at a greater risk of falling and need immediate interventions, such as those who are very old and cognitive impaired, or live alone and have had fallen multiple times previously. Tertiary level of prevention focuses on managing the impairments that have already occurred with the goal is to decrease deterioration rate or limit permanent disabilities caused by the illnesses (CurrentNursing.com, 2012; Learning House Admin, 2012). The interventions involve tertiary falls prevention may need a collaboration from other health care professionals such as occupational …show more content…
Fall risk assessment should be performed in adult patients age of 65 and older at least once a year (Bauman et al., 2014). According to the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Clinical Practice Guideline for Falls Prevention in Older Persons (2010), recommended that all older individuals age of 65 and older should be assessed whether they have fallen in the past 12 months; the individuals who have had fallen should be assessed for difficulty walking or balancing their body.
Health care providers should pay particular attention to patients who reported multiple falls and multifactorial fall risk factors assessment should be performed, which include the following: focused history, physical examination, functional assessment, and environmental assessment (AGS, 2010; Bauman et al, 2014). When perform a focused history assessment of patients, health care providers should ask the detail about situation when falling, frequency, and symptoms at the time and after falling (AGS, 2010; Bauman et al., 2014). Moreover, a review of personal health history of acute and chronic illnesses, pain issue, as well as a current prescription and over-the-counter medication regimens should also be investigated (AGS, 2010; Bauman et al.,