Some evidence suggests hip protectors are helpful in reducing fractures among older people. But, says Nicky Hayes, issues of compliance, tissue viability, cost and product design all need to be considered by nurses considering the implementation of hip protection strategies.

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PubMed2003

Nursing older adults with mental health problems: therapeutic interventions--Part 1.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

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PubMed2003

Nursing older adults with mental health problems: therapeutic interventions--Part. 2.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

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PubMedDate not supplied

Prevention of falls among older patients in the hospital environment.

Falls among older inpatients are a significant cause for concern, yet currently there is no national guidance on falls prevention programmes, and little evidence from the research literature on the effectiveness of hospital prevention programmes. This article explores the unique problems associated with falls in hospital, particularly the issues related to observation and supervision of patients with cognitive impairment. The evidence base for falls risk assessment and prevention strategies is examined. An interprofessional, multidimensional approach to falls and injury prevention is suggested as the most likely approach to be effective in hospital, and the contribution of specific strategies such as exercise and hip protection are examined. Ethical issues are considered and the role of restraint in falls management is rejected. The Kings College Hospital inpatient falls prevention programme is described as a practice example of an interprofessional, multidimensional approach. Finally, the nurse's role in implementing falls prevention strategies and leading future practice development is identified.

Accident Prevention↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Supporting care homes: the older people's specialist nurse.

This article outlines the health needs of older nursing home residents and identifies the case for the role of an older people's specialist nurse within a multidisciplinary care homes support team (CHST). This model has been successfully introduced in the London boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham as a response to the profile of local health need among care home residents and changes in national policy such as the introduction of NHS-funding nursing care. The structure of the CHST is described, and the older people's specialist nurse is discussed in detail. The emergent role of the older people's specialist nurse as key to managing the interface between the nursing homes and primary care is highlighted as a key benefit of this unique role.

Accidental Falls↗