Vårdgivares uppfattning om fallrisker och fallprevention inom tre vårdnivåer

Sammanfattning: The progress of the health among the elderly has a major meaning for the needs of care, nursing and social services. The health of the elderly has improved but fall and fall accidents are a major problem. Acute diseases, activities and environment risks are often related to fall accidents. The aim of the study was to describe health care staffs’ opinions about fall risk and fall prevention. The study had a qualitative approach with a descriptive design. Twelve persons from a primary healthcare centre, a hospital and a community elder care unit in the middle of Sweden were interviewed. The material was analyzed through qualitative content analysis and data from the interviews resulted in two categories; The category “Factors contributing to falls” was formulated from the subcategories; The older persons health status and their care needs, Physical environment, Lack of competence among staff, Lack of time, stress and insufficient staffing, Staffs’ responsibilities and not followed routines and Insufficient cooperation between professional groups. The category “Factors preventing falls” was formulated from the subcategories; Physical environment and physical aid, Competence and fall risk assessment instruments, Different professionals’ responsibilities and Cooperation between different professionals. The results showed that the health care staff viewed several factors, which according to them contributed to falls as well as prevented falls. Cooperation between different professionals, increased competence and use of systematic fall risk assessment instruments were mentioned resulting in advantages for the patient.