Hospitalizations due to falls in rio grande do sul: interventions for nursing concerning environmental factors

Abstract

Doi: 10.5902/2179769213641 Objective: to explore records of falls in Rio Grande do Sul, relating these to potential nursing intervention to reduce these events. Method: this is a descriptive ecological study, which presents data on hospitalizations for falls between the years 2008 to 2012, accessed at the Department of the Unified Health System. Results: falls at the same level caused by slipping, tripping or missteps amounted to 63.1 % of the records during the study period. The indications found in hospital mortality rates and mean hospital stay suggest reference to more complex demands for health services. Conclusion: the implementation of environmental measures such as reduction of carpets and stairs, adoption of rubberized material on the floor, grab bars, beds with protective guards and sensitive to motion lighting, combined with educational measures could reduce the number of hospitalizations with falls.