Developing a multidisciplinary fall reduction program for lower-extremity joint arthroplasty patients

Anesthesiol Clin. 2014 Dec;32(4):853-64. doi: 10.1016/j.anclin.2014.08.005. Epub 2014 Nov 25.

Abstract

With the anticipated increase in the number of total joint arthroplasty surgeries and associated fall risks, a fall reduction program can provide greater safety for patients in the postoperative period. Although further prospective studies are needed among total joint arthroplasty patients, there is sufficient evidence to show that a successful fall reduction program can be implemented. Common components to date have included a multidisciplinary team, multicomponent interventions specific to the risks associated with total knee and hip arthroplasty patients, education of patients and staff, and strategies to promote adherence to the program.

Keywords: Fall prevention; Fall reduction; Patient safety; Regional anesthesia; Total joint replacement.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / methods*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / methods*
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Team
  • Perioperative Care / methods
  • Postoperative Care / methods*