Patient Perception of Fall Risk and Fall Risk Screening Scores

Falls are the most prevalent adverse event among hospitalized patients. Multilevel risk factors are associated with falls, yet falls continue.

To evaluate the relationship between the Johns Hopkins Fall Risk instrument, patient characteristics, and perception of fall risk.

The Johns Hopkins Fall Risk score, patient perception of fall risk, and patient characteristics were analyzed among inpatient adults (n = 201) from 5 acute care units in a large southern California medical center.

Bivariate analyses revealed that fall risk was inversely associated with participants' confidence in their ability to perform high fall risk behaviors without help and without falling ( P = .018).

Perception of fall risk is a promising new indicator in preventing falls. Patient perception of fall risk may elicit a behavior change to help prevent falls. Increased health care provider awareness of patient perception of fall risk may improve fall risk interventions and prevention programs.