REVIEWED BY CHARLES L. KONDIS and VICTORIA N. NORDAN, RN
Models of Hope, Inc
Video, $79; to order by phone: 408-257-4110; Online: www.modelsofhope.org/products.html; fax: 408-257-4996.
"Planning Care to Prevent Falls" is a new in-service video program available from Models of Hope, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that specializes in the development of "best practices" in the care of the elderly. (Models of Hope produced an earlier video program called "Principles of Medication Administration.") The new educational program includes a 15-minute video, a course outline that follows the video script, a post-test and course evaluation, and an appendix entitled "Medications Related to Falls."
After a general introduction concerning the prevalence of falls among the elderly, including those in nursing homes, the video focuses on the development of an effective fall-prevention program. The narrator notes that a proactive interdisciplinary team is to be essential to the process. The program focuses initially on obtaining histories of falls and developing complete medical assessments for the patients who have suffered them. This information is then utilized in developing an individualized care plan.
The video then addresses the topics of risk factors and interventions. It explores the physical changes that accompany aging and reviews the impact of residents' medications. The video includes a helpful appendix listing the medications that contribute to falls. It reviews fall risk factors such as visual and hearing impairment; mobility, gait and balance problems; orthostatic hypotension; altered cognitive function; bladder and bowel dysfunction; and discusses the use of assistive devices. Interventions are suggested in each of these areas.
The video is an excellent teaching tool; it is well-paced and the suggestions made are helpful. It includes an interdisciplinary team meeting, as well as comments from the various team members. Staff members are shown interacting with what appear to be actual patients. The facility portrayed seems to be a modern and pleasant environment. The inclusion of greater cultural diversity among the staff and patients could possibly appeal to a wider potential audience. The residents are all well-dressed; only one resident is shown to be bed-bound. The video does not show medically complex patients being treated in this facility.
Charles L. Kondis
Assistant Administrator,
Strategic Planning and Risk Management, Mercy Medical
Daphne, AL
Victoria N. Nordan, RN
Assistant Administrator,
Quality Management, Mercy Medical
Daphne, AL
Copyright © 2004 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States
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