Risky Business: Factors That Increase Risk of Falls Among Older Adult In-Patients

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Epidemiology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Older patients in hospitals are susceptible to recurrent falls.
• Multiple falls pose a significant risk to patient well-being and hospital resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors associated with multiple fall incidents in older hospitalized patients.
• To compare characteristics of patients experiencing multiple falls versus single falls.

Main Methods:

• Epidemiologic cross-sectional study of 4,348 older patients (≥65 years).
• Logistic regression analysis to assess predictors of multiple falls.
• Data collected on patient demographics, fall circumstances (type, location), and incident dates.

Main Results:

• 20.4% of patients experienced multiple falls.
• Falls occurring in beds without rails, while standing, walking, or using a Geri chair were significantly associated with multiple falls.
• Male sex (16.1% higher risk), and falls in complex care, mental health, or respirology units were significant predictors of multiple falls.

Conclusions:

• Patient sex, fall type, and location are critical factors in predicting recurrent falls among older inpatients.
• Specific hospital environments and patient characteristics necessitate tailored fall prevention interventions.