#47: OT and Falls Prevention with Pooja Patel

Falls are a complex problem. This makes preventing them a perfect target for our OT skillset. This week we are looking at an article that explores “the state of the science” on preventing falls in hospitalized patients. The authors walk us through:The scope of the problem The science (or lack thereof) supporting different interventionsWhile many of the interventions sound simple (like gripper socks and alarms), the article we review in this 1-hour course reminds us that nothing is simple in creating truly effective fall prevention initiatives. To discuss what this research looks like in practice, we are excited to welcome to the podcast Pooja A. Patel, DrOT, OTR/L, CDP, CFPS. In addition to being a certified fall prevention specialist, Pooja served as a fall champion at her hospital, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience about being involved in hospital wide quality initiative.  Whether you are looking to up your game as an individual therapist or as part of a quality team at your facility, this is a great conversation for you!  In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.You can find more details on this course here:https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/ot-fall-preventionHere's the primary research we are discussing:LeLaurin, J. H., &; Shorr, R. I. (2019). Preventing falls in hospitalized patients. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 35(2), 273–283. Support the Show.