NURSING CARE IN PREVENTING THE RISK OF FALLS IN HOSPITALIZED ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Falls in elderly patients during hospitalization represent a worrying reality that constitutes a significant health challenge, due to their personal implications and associated institutional costs. Recognizing a fall is crucial to implement preventive measures in a timely manner and mitigate secondary damage that may impair patient rehabilitation. Objective: To describe, through a literature review, the role of nursing in preventing the risk of falls in elderly patients in the hospital environment. Methodology: This is a literature review study. A bibliographic survey was carried out in the electronic databases: LILACS, MEDLINE and BDENF. To select the articles, the Boolean operator "AND" and the descriptors registered in DECS were used: Aging; Hospitalization; Accidents due to falls; Nursing care. Some inclusion criteria were also applied: articles published in Portuguese, English and Spanish, full texts, published in the last five years. Theses, monographs and works that did not respond to the proposed objective were excluded. After identifying the articles, the abstracts were read, selecting them for full reading. The results were then displayed in graphs and tables and compared with specialized literature. Results and discussion: Some strategies are indicated for preventing falls in hospitalized elderly individuals adopted by the nursing team, including the use of risk scales to identify specific conditions and effective communication with patients and family members about safe care. In addition to the use of identification bracelets, adjustments to the environment and constant supervision seek to minimize the risk of falls, preventing physical and psychological damage. Active and individualized prevention is considered an essential indicator of quality in nursing care in hospital settings. Conclusion: Preventing falls in elderly individuals is essential to ensure safe and quality care. The nursing team must identify risks and implement preventive strategies, focusing on communication and evidence-based practices, promoting a safe environment and physical and emotional complications for the patient.