FALL PREVENTION IN OLDER ADULTS THROUGH NURSING INTERVENTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Keywords:
Aged; accidental falls; nursing care; accident prevention; geriatric nursingAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v9i18edespsep.0419
Abstract
Objective: Falls are a common problem among older adults, leading to injuries, functional dependence, and reduced quality of life. The objective was to analyze nursing interventions used to prevent falls in this population through a systematic review of studies published between 2021 and 2026. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The research question was structured using the PICO model. Databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SciELO, LILACS, and Redalyc were searched using DeCS/MeSH descriptors related to older adults, falls, nursing care, and accident prevention. Original articles in Spanish, English, or Portuguese that evaluated nursing interventions and outcomes regarding fall risk, frequency, incidence, or recurrence were included. Evidence was synthesized narratively and comparatively. Results: A total of 105 records were identified, and 24 original studies were included. Interventions were categorized into risk assessment and monitoring, education, exercise, environmental modification, detection technologies, and multifactorial programs. Exercise improved balance, mobility, and functional capacity; education enhanced knowledge and self-efficacy; and environmental modifications and technologies facilitated risk identification and management. Results regarding fall incidence varied. Individualized, multicomponent interventions involving nursing follow-up yielded the most favorable outcomes. Conclusions: Nursing interventions contributed to fall prevention, particularly when combining clinical, educational, physical, and environmental actions tailored to individual risk. Periodic assessment, caregiver involvement, and continuous follow-up strengthened older adult safety.
Keywords: Aged; accidental falls; nursing care; accident prevention; geriatric nursing.
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