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Design and Analysis for Fall Detection System Simplification
Published on: April 6, 2020
Fall Risk Assessment Scales: A Systematic Literature Review
Veronica Strini1, Roberta Schiavolin2, Angela Prendin3
1Clinical Research Unit, University-Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy.
Insights
Accidental falls pose a global public health risk. This study identified 38 fall risk assessment tools, highlighting the need for multiple tools and professional judgment due to the complex nature of fall risk.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Gerontology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Falls are a significant global public health issue affecting both elderly and pediatric populations.
- Fall risk assessment tools are crucial for identifying and mitigating this risk in various settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and identify existing fall risk assessment tools.
- To understand the landscape of tools available for assessing fall risk in different populations and settings.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted in January 2021.
- Databases searched included MEDLINE, CINHAL, and The Cochrane Database, limited to the last 10 years and English/Italian abstracts.
- Search terms focused on accidental falls, risk assessment, and fall risk assessment tools.
Main Results:
- 38 distinct fall risk assessment tools were identified from 115 selected articles.
- Tools were categorized into widely used primary tools and specialized, less common tools.
- The majority of included studies were prospective cohort or cross-sectional designs focused on tool development or validation.
Conclusions:
- No single fall risk assessment tool is universally ideal due to the multidimensional nature of fall risk.
- A combination of assessment tools is recommended for comprehensive risk evaluation.
- Direct clinical judgment by healthcare professionals remains essential for accurate fall risk assessment.
Background:
Falls are recognized globally as a major public health problem. Although the elderly are the most affected population, it should be noted that the pediatric population is also very susceptible to the risk of falling. The fall risk approach is the assessment tool. There are different types of tools used in both clinical and territorial settings.
Material And Methods:
In the month of January 2021, a literature search was undertaken of MEDLINE, CINHAL and The Cochrane Database, adopting as limits: last 10 years, abstract available, and English and Italian language. The search terms used were "Accidental Falls" AND "Risk Assessment" and "Fall Risk Assessment Tool" or "Fall Risk Assessment Tools".
Results:
From the 115 selected articles, 38 different fall risk assessment tools were identified, divided into two groups: the first with the main tools present in the literature, and the second represented by tools of some specific areas, of lesser use and with less supporting literature. Most of these articles are prospective cohort or cross-sectional studies. All articles focus on presenting, creating or validating fall risk assessment tools.
Conclusion:
Due to the multidimensional nature of falling risk, there is no "ideal" tool that can be used in any context or that performs a perfect risk assessment. For this reason, a simultaneous application of multiple tools is recommended, and a direct and in-depth analysis by the healthcare professional is essential.
