Developing Post-falls Management Principles in Care Homes

Falls are common among older people living in care homes and can cause serious injuries. After a fall, older people require post-falls management. This involves timely risk assessment and immediate action to manage potential injuries and reduce risk of further falls. Residents may need support from several organisations. However, coordinating post-falls management can be challenging. Organisations may have different ways of working. There may be differences in opinions about the best course of action. Care home residents, relatives, staff and health professionals have highlighted that post-falls management guidance is needed.

This research aims to develop principles for post-falls management for older people in care homes. The principles are intended to support a consistent approach and shared understanding across health and social care organisations. The first component (an online national survey) is already underway to map current post-falls management organisational processes for older people who fall in care homes and is not included in this protocol. This protocol includes the final three components of the research: 1) patient journey mapping to understand decision making process after a fall, 2) semi-structured interviews to explore different perspectives on factors affecting post falls decision-making and key areas for inclusion in the principles, and 3) an online modified Delphi to develop a consensus on key principles for consistent post-falls management in care homes. The research follows an implementation science approach and the Behaviour Change Wheel will be used to structure the work.