Nursing Reports, Vol. 16, Pages 397: Older Patients’ Self-reported Recognition Of Receiving Fall-prevention Instructions From Nurses: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Study

Nursing Reports, Vol. 16, Pages 397: Older Patients’ Self-Reported Recognition of Receiving Fall-Prevention Instructions from Nurses: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

Nursing Reports doi: 10.3390/nursrep16110397

Authors: Miyuki Takase Naomi Kisanuki Yoko Sato Masako Yamamoto

Background/Objectives: Despite recommendations that all hospitalized older adults receive tailored fall-prevention education, studies suggest that many patients at risk of falling do not receive such education. Furthermore, some patients may not recognize having received fall-prevention instructions, potentially limiting their effectiveness. This study examined the proportion of older patients who reported recognizing that they had received fall-prevention instructions from nurses and the characteristics associated with this recognition. Methods: A nationwide online survey was conducted among Japanese adults aged ≥60 years who were currently hospitalized or had been discharged within the previous year. Fall-risk recognition and recognition of fall-prevention instructions received from nurses were assessed by self-report. Latent class analysis identified two fall-risk profile groups, and logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with reported receipt of these instructions. Results: Among 3608 participants, more than 40% reported that they had not recognized receiving fall-prevention instructions. After excluding 395 participants without identified fall-risk factors, fall-risk profile and age were associated with self-reported recognition. Participants with mobility impairment and other risk factors more frequently reported recognizing receipt of instructions than those with other risk factors but no mobility impairment. Conclusions: Whether participants’ reports reflect a lack of instruction provision or poor recall remains unclear. Failure to recognize or receive fall-prevention instructions may limit patients’ ability to implement preventive behaviors. Enhancing nurses’ awareness of fall-risk profiles and providing consistent patient education may improve recognition of fall-prevention instructions and support fall prevention in hospital settings.