Self-perceived risk of falls in hospitalised adults: A comparison with nursing assessment

To identify adult patients' perception of their risk of falling during their hospital stay, and relate it to the fall risk assessment carried out by the nurse.

A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in a tertiary-level hospital within the Spanish public healthcare system, involving adult inpatients admitted during April 2024. Patients' perception of their fall risk was assessed using an ad hoc 11-item questionnaire (α = .75), and the validated J.H. Downton scale was employed to identify clinical fall risk.

94 participants responded, with a mean age of 64 years (SD = 14.9). The average self-perceived fall risk during hospitalisation was 1.6 (SD = 1.7). 31.9% were identified as being at high risk of falling (Downton score ≥3), whereas 30.9% of participants self-rated their risk as ≥3. Overall, 40.4% reported having received information on fall prevention. The most highly valued preventive measures were a safe environment (97.9%) and the use of a fall-risk identification wristband (67.6%).

Participants perceived a moderate-to-low risk of falling. A discrepancy was observed between self-perceived risk factors and the professional assessment. Maintaining a safe environment is the most highly rated preventive measure by users. The findings highlight the need to enhance communication and patient education in order to improve the effectiveness of fall prevention strategies and overall hospital safety.