196 A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE TO OPTIMISE PHYSIOTHERAPY FALLS ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION

Abstract

Background: Falls are the most commonly reported incident in the Health Service Executive (HSE 2018). Our aim was to implement the standard: every patient referred to physiotherapy over 65 years or at risk of falls received a personalised falls assessment and intervention. Method(s): Falls assessment and intervention standards were captured through documentation audit in November 2020. Representatives from all physiotherapy specialties were invited to join the physiotherapy falls committee. The falls committee met monthly to review tests of change, discuss audit results and plan further initiatives. A 'Falls Algorithm' was developed outlining expectations regarding falls, with three components: 'Ask, Assess, Intervene'. In-service training on falls was organised and added to induction for staff-grade rotations. Falls champions were identified in each area to promote best practice and induct new staff to expected standards. A falls newsletter was added to the department weekly bulletin to keep a focus on falls. Physiotherapy assessment forms on the electronic patient record were updated, embedding falls assessment and intervention into routine practice. A falls prevention and exercise booklet was developed and the falls education talk was transferred to an online format with Occupational Therapy colleagues. Audits across all areas were completed weekly, then monthly to track results. The most recent audit was carried out in May 2021. Result(s): Falls assessment improved from 57% to 99%. Fear of falling assessment improved from 30% to 88%. Completion of falls outcome measures improved from 26% to 74%. Falls intervention increased from 49% to 100%. Gait/balance deficits were assessed in 94% of cases in the final audit. Conclusion(s): The aim that all patients referred to physiotherapy over 65 years or at risk of falls receive a personalised physiotherapy falls assessment and intervention was achieved.