A falls case summary: Application of the public health nursing intervention wheel

Background: The Public Health Intervention Wheel (PHIW) is a population-based practice model that encompasses three levels of practice (community, systems, and individual/family) and 17 public health interventions. Each intervention and practice level contributes to improving population health. Public health nurses (PHNs) provide care at the three levels of practice. Prevention of falls is a public health issue and the majority of falls happen at home. Therefore, prevention and management of falls in the community could benefit from a public health systems approach by PHNs underpinned by the PHIW. Case Presentation: A hypothetical case is presented of a 78-year-old gentleman who had a fall which resulted in a fractured right acetabulum and surgery before being discharged home. Methods: The aim of this paper was to use a case summary to illustrate PHN practice in the context of the PHIW as applied to falls management and prevention. This paper focuses on fall incidence and PHN response in Ireland and Norway. The PHIW is described and relevant interventions from the PHIW are applied to PHN practice in managing the case. Conclusions: The PHIW model provides insight into the potential scope of public health nursing in falls, articulating PHN practice in the community.