Facts About Fall Risk Assessment
Purpose of Fall Risk Assessment
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Identify patient/resident problems (rational basis for deciding whether risk exists)
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Identify those patients/residents most likely to fall
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Trigger further fall-related assessments (multidisciplinary)
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Identify interventions (guide patient/resident care planning)
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Raise staff awareness of fall/injury risk.
When to Conduct Fall Risk Assessments
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Upon admission
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Post-fall
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Upon change of health condition (including medication changes)
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Daily/every shift (confused patients/residents; patients/residents taking sedatives, recent fall, etc.)
Diseases/Conditions |
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History of falls
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Impaired vision/hearing
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Urinary problems (toileting needs)
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Muscle weakness
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Gait/balance impairment
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Dizziness
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Orthostatic hypotension
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Mobility impairment (impaired bed, chair and/or toilet transfers)
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Uses cane/walker
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Medications |
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Polypharmacy (>5 medications)
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Psychotropics
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Diuretics
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Antihypertensives
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Antiseizure
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Benzodiazepines
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Hypoglycemics
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Sedative/hypnotics
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Mental Status |
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Dementia
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Depression
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Delirium
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Impaired 'safety' judgment
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Disruptive behaviors
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Non-English speaking
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Exhibits unsafe behavior
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Lacks understanding of mobility limitations
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Situational Conditions |
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New admission
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Floor-to-floor transfer
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Post-fall
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Change of condition and/or starting fall risk medication
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Tideiksaar, R. Falls in Older People: Prevention and Management. 4th Edition.
Health Professions Press, Baltimore, MD 2010