| Learning Objective #1: Verbalize at least three study design issues associated with testing technology at the point of care | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Discuss at least three research priorities for patient safety among community dwelling independent frail elderly |
Research Questions: Is the iLife Solutions fall detection system timely and accurate in reporting fall occurrence in community-based elderly veterans over 75 years of age? What are the rates of fall-related injuries by severity? What are the rates of patient/family acceptance with the use of iLife Solutions fall detectors? Do fall detectors decrease elderly patients' fear of falling?
The population included elderly veterans over the age of 75, at risk for falls as determined by Morse Fall Assessment Score of 50 or greater, and who lived at home independently for at least 8 hours / day within a 60 mile radius of the Tampa VA.
A descriptive, correlational design was used to test the research questions. Rate and frequency of falls and near falls, and rate, frequency and severity of fall-related injuries, served as dependent variables.
Results: Effectiveness the fall detection device was analyzed for timeliness and accuracy emergency responses. Correlation between wearing Home Fall Detection Monitor (HFDM) and fall self-efficacy were determined and paired t test was done to find any significant differences in pre and post intervention. Patient and family acceptance were measured using descriptive statistics to analyze surveyed responses to ease of use, wear and sense of security of the fall detection device. The results support replication of this study on a large scale.