The experiences of staff concerning the introduction and impact of a fall prevention intervention in aged care facilities: a qualitative study

Objective: Falls in aged care facilities are a major public health concern. A pilot study tested the acceptability of a falls risk management intervention. Method: Focus group discussions with care giving staff and falls coordinators and individual interviews with principal nurse managers were taped and transcribed and thematic analysis identified main issues for staff in utilising the intervention. Results: Acceptance of the intervention was high for principal nurse managers and falls coordinators, although the paper work was found to be time consuming. While most caregivers found undertaking fall prevention strategies worthwhile, others found such strategies u'ere irrelevant to them as they "knew" their residents. Conclusions: Among all levels of staff, falls among residents were regarded as stressful events. While the general acceptunce of the intervention programme was high, resistance to changing practices of care by some staff could limit the wider implementation of such a programme. Further research is needed to examine appropriate delivery of educational messages for caregivers, which include multiple cultural understandings.