チームで取り組む転倒予防　～リハビリテーションの立場から～

抄録

Falls are the most frequently encountered risk phenomenon in rehabilitation.

Falls result from various factors. Diseases effecting the nervous system, cerebral vascular accidents, and Parkinson's disease are all known to be the catalysts of these occurrences.

We are aware that many incidents of falls occur during occupational, speech–language–auditory, and physical therapy according to the Guideline for Safety Management and Promotion in Rehabilitation Medicine.

Various exercises are performed for to prevent falls. As they are related to the patient's center of gravity, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance are of the utmost importance regarding fall prevention. Basic knowledge about various internal and external factors in relation to the selection of walking aids and environmental improvement as appraised by the physical therapist is also of utmost importance. Collective efforts by a hospital's medical safety control department and risk management are absolutely essential. The balance of one patient who has neurological intractable disease, and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), was improved when undergoing specialized therapeutic exercises. It is necessary to accurately report a cerebral vascular patient's acute and recovery rates to all concerned personnel.

Teaching how to help a patient stand after having fallen down is also of vital importance. This for both hospitalized and discharged patients. Communication between all the therapeutic modalities is absolutely necessary in regard to total patient care.