[Factors and Medical Costs Associated With Fall Events in Hospitalized Patients]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Hospital falls are frequent adverse events.
• Falls incur significant economic and care burdens on patients and families.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify factors associated with inpatient falls.
• Estimate the impact of falls on hospitalization duration and medical costs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective matched case-control study (2009-2011).
• Data from a northern Taipei regional teaching hospital.
• Matched fallers and non-fallers by demographics and ICD-9-CM codes.

Main Results:

• Fallers reported more previous falls and longer hospital stays.
• Risk factors for falls: no family accompaniment, >3 fall-related medications, no IV catheter.
• Medical costs escalated with injury severity, with third-degree injuries costing an average of 18,257 NTD.

Conclusions:

• Findings offer a reference for enhancing patient safety.
• Interventions can prevent inpatient falls and reduce associated medical expenses.
• Reducing falls is crucial for hospital cost-effectiveness and patient well-being.