Fall Prevention Certification Program

Certified Fall Prevention Professional Program

Distinguish yourself from the competition by becoming a Certified Fall Prevention Professional (CFPP). According to a study prepared by Rand¹ for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:

“Clearly, the prevention of falls is an important issue if it can prevent significant declines in function and independence, and the associated increase in costs of complications. The major risk factors for falling are diverse, and many of them--such as balance impairment, muscle weakness, polypharmacy, and environmental hazards-- are potentially modifiable. However, the interventions designed to address these risk factors share the same diversity. Likewise, the evidence for the effectiveness of a single intervention in preventing falls has been inadequate. Since the risk of falling appears to increase with the number of risk factors, multifactorial interventions have been suggested as the most effective strategy to reduce falling.”

With the new emphasis towards Providers assuming the risks, and the benefits, of costs of their patients, fall prevention is becoming a go to program to reduce costs and complications of older patients. Granted, falls are not limited to old patients but identifying, and minimizing risk factors has already been determined to be a winning combination for Providers and patients alike. Yet, there are very few programs available and even less professionals trained and capable to handle this crisis.

Target Audience

This program is designed for physical therapists, nurse practitioners, athletic trainers, nurses, rehabilitation professionals and physician assistants.

Facts About Falls

Each year, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor.Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.²

What Can Happen After a Fall?

Many falls do not cause injuries. But one out of five falls does cause a serious injury such as a broken bone or a head injury. These injuries can make it hard for a person to get around, do everyday activities, or live on their own.

• Falls can cause broken bones, like wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures.
• Falls can cause head injuries. These can be very serious, especially if the person is taking certain medicines (like blood thinners). An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor right away to make sure they don’t have a brain injury.

Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling. This fear may cause a person to cut down on their everyday activities. When a person is less active, they become weaker and this increases their chances of falling.

What Conditions Make A Person More Likely to Fall?

Research has identified many conditions that contribute to falling. These are called risk factors. Many risk factors can be changed or modified to help prevent falls. They include:

• Lower body weakness
• Vitamin D deficiency (that is, not enough vitamin D in your system)
• Difficulties with walking and balance
• Use of medicines, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance and how steady you are on your feet.
• Vision problems
• Foot pain or poor footwear
• Home hazards or dangers such as
  • broken or uneven steps, and
  • throw rugs or clutter that can be tripped over.

Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling.

Healthcare providers can help cut down a person’s risk by reducing the fall risk factors listed above.

The CFPP Program

Developed by experienced Doctors in Physical Therapy and healthcare professionals this course is intended to be a cover all for the healthcare professional. From a background covering the problem and the basics of the human body to techniques to assess an incorporate a winning program in just about every environment, this course has it all.

The course is divided into six segments, each segment covering a self-contained topic with an all-encompassing test after the presentations are over. Test takers must pass every section in order to receive their certificates.

Fall Prevention Program Outline