Association between falls and high-risk medication use in hospitalized Asian elderly patients

Most studies looking at the relation between medication use and fall among the hospitalized elderly patients, were done in Western countries. So, a study was planned to investigate the role of medications in causing falls in hospitalized Asian elderly patients.

Case note review was done for all patients age 65 years and above, who fell at least once during their hospital stay over a 12-month period. Information obtained from the case notes included: (i) demographic information; (ii) Modified Morse Fall scale; (iii) circumstances and time of fall; and (iv) medication use. From the hospital admission database, an age- and sex-matched control group was selected for comparison.

Over the 12-month study period, 298 patients met the study criteria. Average age of the patients was 75.8 years, 60.4% were male and 84.9% were Chinese. Multivariate analysis showed that fallers had longer lengths of stay and were more likely to have a history of falls. Fallers were also more likely to be taking hypnotics, cough preparations and anti-platelets, but less likely to be taking paracetamol. Fallers were on fewer medications.

Elderly hospitalized patients on hypnotic drugs, cough preparations and anti-platelets were more likely to fall. Appropriate usage of analgesics, especially paracetamol, to relieve pain may reduce falls.