Objective To determine the incidence and risk factors of falling among amputees during the postoperative time on the surgical ward. Design Retrospective cohort. Setting Three tertiary acute care hospitals. Patients Subjects aged 18 years or older undergoing either a primary or revision amputation at the transtibial, knee disarticulation, or transfemoral levels. Subjects were excluded if they underwent bilateral amputations. A total of 466 charts were identified, and 370 subjects were included in the analysis. Main Outcome Measurements All outcome measurements were devised before data collection. The primary outcome variable was the presence of at least one fall. Details regarding falls, including the date, time, and location of the first fall, were recorded. In addition, the total number of falls and any associated injuries were documented. Secondary outcome variables included type and number of medical comorbidities, cognitive deficits, and regular use of specific medications. Results Sixty‐one of 370 subjects fell at least once, giving an incidence of 16.5% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 12.7%‐20.3%). No difference was noted between the fall and no fall groups for gender, mean age, number of regular medications, and number of medical comorbidities. The fall group demonstrated a significantly longer length of stay (difference of means 32.5 days, 95% CI 17.4‐47.5, P < .001). Injuries were sustained in 60.7% of those who fell. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the major risk factors for falling as dysvascular etiology (odds ratio [OR] 2.418, 95% CI 1.043‐5.606), transtibial level (OR 2.127, 95% CI 1.050‐4.309), and right‐sided amputation (OR 1.933, 95% CI 1.073‐3.483). Conclusions Falls and associated injuries occur commonly in the postoperative lower limb amputee on the surgical ward. Risk factors for falling include dysvascular etiology, transtibial level, and right‐sided amputation. Further studies are required to characterize the mechanisms of falling in this patient population and to develop appropriate fall‐prevention strategies.

This project aimed to determine the impact of and needs from physician members of the Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (CAPMR) during the early response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The purpose of this project was to develop a framework for addressing the pandemic tailored to the needs of Canadian physiatrists. A convergent mixed-methods design was used for this needs assessment quality project. A total of 136 responses were obtained with an overall response rate of 34%. Three major themes were identified relating to the impact of COVID-19 on physicians: 1) changes to direct patient care, 2) changes to non-clinical aspects of physician’s practices, and 3) impacts on personal and family well-being. Three requests for CAPMR support during the pandemic were: 1) collaborative sharing of information and resources, 2) advocacy for both patients and providers, and 3) avenues for social connection and wellness. This project provided insight into the impact of COVID-19 and current needs of CAPMR physicians. The results were used to develop a solutions framework including guidance on use of virtual care and holding education webinars on high-yield topics. Next steps include a follow-up survey on change in preparedness and member satisfaction with the CAPMR response.