Bone and Joint Institute
Fall Hazard Identification: A Scoping Review
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2021
Journal
PHYSICAL & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN GERIATRICS
Volume
39
Issue
1
First Page
96
Last Page
96
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1080/02703181.2020.1806424
Abstract
Aims: Fall hazards identification and reduction is an important component of falls prevention. The purpose of this review is to describe the literature on fall hazards identification in older adults, characterize how it is delivered, and identify any gaps in knowledge. Method: CINHAL, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and PsychINFO were used to identify articles. Studies were selected to describe: 1) theoretical strategies related to fall hazards identification, 2) the nature of interventions, and 3) the use in community contexts. Results: A total of 35 articles were identified spanning from 1994 to 2019. Fall hazards identification was most commonly used to reduce the risk of falls in community-dwelling older adults, focusing largely of fall reduction in the home, facilitated by occupational therapists and researchers. Conclusion: Establishing a clear definition of fall hazards, and developing a theoretical framework to facilitate program implementation should advance fall hazards identification.