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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | Research article

Education interventions for health professionals on falls prevention in health care settings: a 10-year scoping review

Authors: L. Shaw, D. Kiegaldie, M. K. Farlie

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Falls in hospitals are a major risk to patient safety. Health professional education has the potential to be an important aspect of falls prevention interventions. This scoping review was designed to investigate the extent of falls prevention education interventions available for health professionals, and to determine the quality of reporting.

Method

A five stage scoping review process was followed based on Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews. Five online databases identified papers published from January 2008 until May 2019. Papers were independently screened by two reviewers, and data extracted and analysed using a quality reporting framework.

Results

Thirty-nine publications were included. Interventions included formal methods of educational delivery (for example, didactic lectures, video presentations), interactive learning activities, experiential learning, supported learning such as coaching, and written learning material. Few studies employed comprehensive education design principles. None used a reporting framework to plan, evaluate, and document the outcomes of educational interventions.

Conclusions

Although health professional education is recognised as important for falls prevention, no uniform education design principles have been utilised in research published to date, despite commonly reported program objectives. Standardised reporting of education programs has the potential to improve the quality of clinical practice and allow studies to be compared and evaluated for effectiveness across healthcare settings.
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Metadata
Title
Education interventions for health professionals on falls prevention in health care settings: a 10-year scoping review
Authors
L. Shaw
D. Kiegaldie
M. K. Farlie
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-020-01819-x

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