Falls Prevention Guidelines

   

The first edition of the Preventing falls and harm from falls in older people: Best practice guidelines for Australian hospitals and residential aged care facilities was released in 2005. The guidelines are designed to inform clinical practice and assist hospitals and residential aged care facilities develop and implement practices to reduce falls and the harm sustained in falls. There is also a large number of support materials to support implementation.

Currently the Commission is reviewing the guidelines to incorporate the latest evidence and practice. Three separate guidelines will be created, each separately addressing a care setting; hospital, residential aged and community. Guidebooks will be created from each guideline, smaller versions which will be cheaper to print and contain the key information for health professionals providing care for patients at risk of falling. In addition, an implementation guide will be produced, along with fact sheets and an educational tool. An audit tool and audit guidance will also be available.

The 2009 guidelines and support materials are expected to be available by August 2009.

To view or download either edition of the Falls Prevention Guidelines, and related support materials, please choose one of the following:

2005 - Preventing falls and harm from falls in older people: Best practice guidelines for Australian hospitals and residential aged care facilities