Assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of nurses and social caregivers in relation to falls among elderly patients in healthcare settings in a Hungarian county

Abstract

The aim of this descriptive study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of nurses and social caregivers in relation to falls among elderly patients.A total of 442 nurses and social caregivers working in acute or chronic care settings participated in our study. Data were gathered on the participants' general characteristics, the characteristics of their workplace, and their levels of knowledge in relation to risk factors and types of falls. Our questionnaire also included a survey of attitudes towards fall prevention. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS software.Our results showed a significant correlation between the participants' level of knowledge and age, level of professional education, workplace localisation, form and type of care, risk evaluation scale score, and the existence of a healthcare protocol at the workplace. Participants demonstrated a positive attitude towards fall prevention: the mean value for attitude was 48.03 out of 65 points. Participants who experienced a lower number of falls among elderly patients at their workplace demonstrated a significantly more positive attitude to prevention compared to those experiencing falls more frequently.In our professional opinion, trainings focusing on fall prevention are required. In addition to knowledge transfer, these should emphasise the formation of attitudes, especially in the context of chronic healthcare, among professionals working in institutions in smaller towns.