Background: Falls are a significant concern for older adults as they can result in hospitalization, disability, death, and increased health care costs. Evidence-based interventions and validated screening tools are available to aid in reducing falls among older adults in long-term care. However, falls continue to be a major health concern for older adults in nursing homes. Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based quality improvement project was to impact the knowledge and skills of direct care workers regarding falls in older adults residing in Holt Senior Care and Rehabilitation Center in Holt, Michigan. The main goal of the project was to provide education to direct care workers and to reduce falls and fall-related injuries of the older adult population at the Holt facility. Methods: A pre- and post-test design was distributed to direct care workers to assess their knowledge of fall prevention before and after an in-person educational PowerPoint presentation. Educational handouts were also provided to all direct care workers. Scores were analyzed after the education session to determine whether any changes occurred. Implications/Conclusion: Primary outcomes were that direct care workers demonstrated improvement in post-knowledge and attitudes scores post-intervention. Secondary outcomes were that Minimal Data Set statistics on falls improved in subsequent quarters of survey assessment at the facility.
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