Role of MDT in preventing falls

Question 1

What is the role of the physiotherapist in preventing falls?

Answer 1

• Custom exercises to improve balance, flexibility, muscle strength & gait.
• Helping to find the right walker, frame or equipment to improve safe mobility.
• assess gait
• rehabilitation
• upper limb function
• education & advice

Question 2

What is the role of the nurse in preventing falls?

Answer 2

• Assist in managing incontinence, assisted toilet & urinary frequency
• Helping with medication side effects and interactions
• Patient education
• Communication with family

Question 3

What is the role of the podiatrist in preventing falls?

Answer 3

• Analyse stride & gait
• Recommend foot & lower extremity exercises.
• Assess and fit appropriate shoes

Question 4

What is the role of occupational therapists in preventing falls?

Answer 4

• Adapting the environment (patient’s house/ living situation) to minimise the risk of falls & meet the patient’s needs.
• Provide adaptions, equipment or technology to carry out certain tasks.
• identifying environmental+ personal factors= falls.
• supporting maximum independence
• Signpost to other relevant services

E.g. raised toilet seats, standing toilet frames etc

Question 5

What is the role of dietician in preventing falls?

Answer 5

• Develop food-based diets that support vitality.
• Ensure energy is required to stay active & strong.
• On wards, can use MUST score - Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool.

Question 6

What is the role of doctors in preventing falls?

Answer 6

• Review medications e.g. sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics.
• Manage bone health in older people, at risk groups, fragility
• Finding causes of falls e.g. eyes, ears…
• Managing the injuries from falls
• Organising & directing the MDT

Question 7

What is the role of social workers in preventing falls?

Answer 7

Care needs and discharge planning

Organisation of institutional care

Question 8

What is FRAT?

Answer 8

Falls Risk Assessment Tool

Part 1: falls risk status
- recent falls, medications, psychological & cognitive status

Part 2: risk factor checklist
- vision, mobility, environment, nutrition etc

Part 3: action plan

Useful but NICE states that it should not be relied solely on to access risk of falls

Question 9

What is STEADI?

Answer 9

Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries

score >6 = higher risk of falls- need medication risk fall evaluation