Relationship between depression and falls among nursing home residents: protocol for an integrative review. (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Depression is among the most common psychiatric disorders among older adults, especially those institutionalized. Depressed nursing home (NH) residents face a high risk of future functional decline and falls, decreasing their quality of life. OBJECTIVE To analyse studies on the relationship between depression and falls among NH residents. METHODS This review of studies on the associations between depression/depressive symptomatology and falls among NH residents will follow the steps described by Coleen&Remington. Bibliographic databases will be examined for qualitative, quantitative and mixed-studies papers to ensure that all relevant literature was included: Medline Ovid ALL, Embase.com, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo Ovid, Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I, and Cochrane Library. The search strategy associated four elements: long-term care facilities, older adults, depression and falls. RESULTS The studies will be screened independently by two research team members. Conflicts in article selection will be resolved through discussion. A PRISMA flowchart will display the flow of records through the review process. An analysis of the studies retained will be presented in a structured matrix synthesising their findings. CONCLUSIONS This review will increase knowledge of the relationship between depression or depressive symptomatology and falls among NH residents and propose relevant interventions.