Incidence and Risk Factors for Subsequent Adverse Events among Outpatients after an In-Hospital Fall.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Limited data exists on the incidence and risk factors for serious conditions following in-hospital falls.
• This study investigates subsequent adverse events (SAEs) in outpatients after in-hospital falls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of SAEs after in-hospital falls in outpatients.
• To identify risk factors associated with these SAEs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of incident-accident reports from April 2017 to March 2024.
• Data collected included patient demographics, fall details, and subsequent adverse events.
• Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for SAEs.

Main Results:

• Out of 118 outpatients with in-hospital falls, 33.1% experienced SAEs.
• SAEs included fractures, functional disorders, surgical procedures, and admissions.
• Male sex was a significant risk factor for SAEs (OR, 2.80; P=0.016).
• Specific fall characteristics were associated with distinct SAE types (e.g., floor type for fractures).

Conclusions:

• The incidence of SAEs after in-hospital falls is substantial (33.1%).
• Male sex is identified as a key risk factor for SAEs.
• Distinct factors contribute to different types of SAEs, necessitating tailored interventions.