Fall prevention knowledge and practice patterns among home healthcare professionals in southern Saudi Arabia: an observational study

OBJECTIVES: To determine the knowledge of falls risk factors among home healthcare (HHC) professionals and the practice patterns of HHC professionals regarding falls prevention. METHODS: A modified version of a survey designed and validated for use in home healthcare settings was distributed to HHC professionals for self-completion. Responses were collected and analysed using descriptive methods. RESULTS: Out of 80 surveys distributed to 23 HHC centres, 52 returned surveys were included for analyses (completed by physicians, physical therapists [PTs] and nurses). In terms of practice patterns, 82.7% of participants always asked older adults if they have a history of falls, 81% always identified falls risk factors, 73% documented risk factors for falling and 71% always provided interventions to address falls risk factors. Environmental hazards were the most common risk factor identified by HHC professionals. Approximately one quarter of nurses felt they had little knowledge of falls risk factors. CONCLUSION: Over 70% of HHC professionals acknowledged the importance of falls, and over 80% of participants displayed knowledge of falls prevention factors. As HHC professionals most likely to encounter patients requiring intervention for falls prevention, physical therapists may benefit from training programmes to help identify important falls risk factors.