Question
How does collaboration between therapists and CNAs contribute to fall prevention in the elderly population?
Answer
Collaboration between healthcare disciplines, particularly therapists and certified nursing assistants (CNAs), is pivotal in fall prevention among the elderly. A Cochrane review in 2022 indicated that around 30% of individuals aged 65 and above experience falls yearly, with a higher percentage in those over 85 (Gillespie et al., 2022). Given the multifactorial nature of fall risk, effective collaboration and communication between disciplines become essential in addressing various factors such as deconditioning, cognitive impairments, visual impairments, nutrition, and hydration.
The interdisciplinary approach to fall prevention involves sharing knowledge between therapists and CNAs, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the individual patient's needs. This collaboration extends beyond physical considerations to incorporate cognitive and communication factors often overlooked in traditional education and training. A meta-analysis by Lee and Hee (2016) reinforces the positive impact of exercise programs on fall prevention in skilled nursing facilities, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort to enhance the effectiveness of fall prevention programming. Moreover, collaborative efforts between CNAs and therapists in cognitive retraining and toileting programs contribute to urinary incontinence management, further supporting fall prevention initiatives.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course Skilled Nursing Facility Interventions: Interdisciplinary Collaboration Between Therapists And Certified Nursing Assistants, by Brittany Horvath.