D396 Task 2: Multilingual Fall Prevention for
Elderly Immigrants (Evidence-Based Practice for
Health and Human Services) 2026 new version
Western Governors University
A.
The chosen scenario from Task One was regarding the elderly immigrant who suffered
from a language barrier and frequent falls. My solution to his problem was to offer
translator services to the patient to educate him in fall prevention and offer training in
his native language on using medical devices to prevent future falls. My research
question was, "In elderly immigrant patients with a recent history of falls, how does the
use of multilingual fall-prevention education and physical therapy interventions impact
fall recurrence compared to standard fall-prevention education in English only?"
To develop a solution that addresses the needs of an elderly immigrant patient with a
history of falls and limited English proficiency, I followed the evidence-based practice
(EBP) process. First, I formulated a focused clinical question using the PICO framework:
In elderly immigrant patients with a recent history of falls, how does multilingual fall -
prevention education and physical therapy interventions impact fall recurrence
compared to standard fall-prevention education in English only? I then conducted a
thorough search of peer-reviewed literature using the WGU Library. I selected studies
from the last 5 years that addressed the impact of language barriers on healthcare
outcomes. For example, Schulson et al. (2025) identified the increased risk of patient
safety events for individuals with limited English proficiency.
Meanwhile, Khanal (2025) highlighted immigrant patients' cultural and communication
, challenges in accessing care. By appraising this evidence, I identified that multilingual
education and culturally competent physical therapy are essential interventions. These
strategies directly address both the clinical fall risk and the healthcare communication
gaps experienced by immigrants, which is evidence-based and contextually appropriate.
B.
To address the problems faced by my elderly immigrant patient with a history of falls,
multiple steps will be used to implement the proposed solution. The first step focuses on
providing multilingual fall prevention education. Khanal (2025) emphasized the negative
impact of limited English proficiency on patient understanding and overall healthcare.
Educational materials will be translated into the patient’s native language. These
materials will include visual aids, simple instructions, translator services by person, or a
digital translation device such as an iPad. Trained interpreters or digital translation
devices will deliver the content to ensure comprehension and foster trust. The second
step involves referring patients to physical therapists who undergo training in cultural
competency. Schulson et al. (2025) identified an increased risk of safety events among
Elderly Immigrants (Evidence-Based Practice for
Health and Human Services) 2026 new version
Western Governors University
A.
The chosen scenario from Task One was regarding the elderly immigrant who suffered
from a language barrier and frequent falls. My solution to his problem was to offer
translator services to the patient to educate him in fall prevention and offer training in
his native language on using medical devices to prevent future falls. My research
question was, "In elderly immigrant patients with a recent history of falls, how does the
use of multilingual fall-prevention education and physical therapy interventions impact
fall recurrence compared to standard fall-prevention education in English only?"
To develop a solution that addresses the needs of an elderly immigrant patient with a
history of falls and limited English proficiency, I followed the evidence-based practice
(EBP) process. First, I formulated a focused clinical question using the PICO framework:
In elderly immigrant patients with a recent history of falls, how does multilingual fall -
prevention education and physical therapy interventions impact fall recurrence
compared to standard fall-prevention education in English only? I then conducted a
thorough search of peer-reviewed literature using the WGU Library. I selected studies
from the last 5 years that addressed the impact of language barriers on healthcare
outcomes. For example, Schulson et al. (2025) identified the increased risk of patient
safety events for individuals with limited English proficiency.
Meanwhile, Khanal (2025) highlighted immigrant patients' cultural and communication
, challenges in accessing care. By appraising this evidence, I identified that multilingual
education and culturally competent physical therapy are essential interventions. These
strategies directly address both the clinical fall risk and the healthcare communication
gaps experienced by immigrants, which is evidence-based and contextually appropriate.
B.
To address the problems faced by my elderly immigrant patient with a history of falls,
multiple steps will be used to implement the proposed solution. The first step focuses on
providing multilingual fall prevention education. Khanal (2025) emphasized the negative
impact of limited English proficiency on patient understanding and overall healthcare.
Educational materials will be translated into the patient’s native language. These
materials will include visual aids, simple instructions, translator services by person, or a
digital translation device such as an iPad. Trained interpreters or digital translation
devices will deliver the content to ensure comprehension and foster trust. The second
step involves referring patients to physical therapists who undergo training in cultural
competency. Schulson et al. (2025) identified an increased risk of safety events among
