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Bacon, Emma (2013) STEP; A Service Evaluation of Footwear in Elderly Patients. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background - Falls are a major issue in hospital. One third of people aged over 65 falls each year (Masud & Morris, 2001). Footwear and falls is under researched and not documented, even though it has a big impact on falls risks.

Objectives - To observe, document and describe the types, characteristics and source of footwear worn by inpatients on three health care of the elderly wards. Interviews will examine staff knowledge and perception of footwear and its links to falls, and comment on how to assess patient footwear to help promote patient comfort and safety.

Methods - Observations were carried out to document and describe the types and characteristics of footwear of the patients. Photographs provided evidence of the footwear. Semi-structured interviews of the staff on the wards were carried out to examine staff knowledge and their perceptions of footwear on the wards, the hospital provided footwear and how footwear can impact falls risks.

Results – 90% of patients wore slippers or hospital gripper socks during the observations. Most footwear had no fixation, and the majority was supplied by the hospital. Staff had good perceptions and knowledge of footwear. They noticed what footwear was being worn by patients on their shift. They recognised the need for some form of documentation to be developed to aid the assessment and recording of footwear on the wards in order to aid falls risk reduction. Staff commented that although the hospital supplied footwear is good, improvements could be made.

Conclusions - The majority of patients wore slippers or hospital supplied footwear. Therefore this has to be to the highest standard possible. A footwear assessment is recommended to be developed in order for staff to be able to assess footwear more competently, and be able to document footwear on the wards.

Item Type:	Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Depositing User:	EP, Services
Date Deposited:	21 Nov 2013 15:06
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2017 13:37
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/26862

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