Investigate Clinical Governance: Quantitative and Qualitative Studies on Fall Prevention Strategies for Elderly Patients

Investigate Clinical Governance 1
Investigate Clinical Governance
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Investigate Clinical Governance 2
Quantitative study
Summary
Haines et al. (2011) conducted a randomized control trial (RCT) to ascertain the effectiveness
of two types of multimedia patient education in preventing falls among elderly inpatients.
The study consisted of three group RCT conducted on older hospital patients admitted to
acute, and sub-acute hospital wards in two Australian hospitals. Blinded research assistants
collected data on falls by reviewing the incident reports in the hospital and carrying out
patient interviews. There was a significant association between the intervention and the
existence of cognitive impairment. The authors concluded that the multimedia patient
education programme with expert healthcare providers was effective in reducing falls among
the hospitalized elderly.
Critical Analysis
The trial addressed the issue under consideration because the intervention, the study
population, the comparator, and the outcomes are all identified and clearly explained (Haines
et al., 2011, pp. 517). Additionally, the assignment of the patients to treatments was
randomized by the use of random allocation sequence generated by the computer which was
placed into opaque envelopes there were sequentially numbered. The trained health experts
conducted baseline assessment and were not cognizant of the outcomes of the participant
(Haines et al., 2011, pp. 519). The participant falls the primary outcome measure, and the
meaning of a fall was derived from the World Health Organization (WHO, no date (n.d)).
Data on falls was gathered from three sources and recorded regarding the rate of falls, the
number of patients who fell once or more, and the frequency of fatal falls. The
approximations of the impact of the patient education intervention were measured using
adjusted risk ration at a confidence interval (CI) of 0.28-0.93, and in the control group, the CI

Investigate Clinical Governance 3
was 0.24-0.78 both at 95%CI. The study outcomes are very much applicable to any local
context because the participants included in the study are older adults who had experienced
falls before. The study outcomes are worth the effort because they suggest that patient
education is more effective in preventing fall injuries. This will ensure that the fall victims
and families will be relieved of pain and stress in addition to minimizing treatment cost
(Miake-Lye et al., 2013, pp. 393-394). Furthermore, the fact that the study results confirm
previous studies (Cameron et al., 2012, pp. 176; Ang et al., 2011, no page (n.p)) assures the
reliability of the findings.
Qualitative study
Summary
Calhoun at al. (2011) carried out qualitative research on the perceptions of senior adults on
clinical fall prevention strategies. The aim was to assess the factors that motivate and de-
motivate them from engaging in prevention and fall risk evaluation programs. The authors
conducted face-to-face interviews with 20 senior adults who had consented to the invitation
for evaluation and 19 who had declined. The prevention programs among other areas were
assessed. Those who had participated in the intervention expressed their need for the program
whereas those who refused never saw the significance. Thus fall prevention strategies should
first address the beliefs of each person in addition to social and structural aspects.
Critical analysis
The objective of the study was clearly stated and its significance outlined under background
information. A qualitative design was the most appropriate for the study because it is aimed
at assessing the experiences of old patients who had fallen before. Turner III (2010, pp. 754-
755) observes that qualitative studies are more effective when investigating actions or