Objective: This study aimed to explore the circumstances and characteristics of falls with fractured femur reported in nursing homes.
Method: Mixed methods were used. There were reports on 401 eligible falls from 88 residential care facilities in the Hunter region of Australia. A falls report form was developed for the study and was completed by nursing staff. Information was collected about the circumstances of falls with fractured femur and resident data. Descriptive and qualitative analyses were used.
Results: Falls with fractured neck of femur were associated with being ambulant, having dementia, increasing age, and a high falls risk assessment. Themes from the falls report data were resident-related factors, organizational or environmental issues, and activities at the time of the fall.
Discussion: Falls in residential care settings are very complex and difficult to prevent. Attention should be given to the needs of recently admitted residents and management of the facility environment.
Keywords: accidental falls; environment; injury; occupational therapy; qualitative.