A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study on the Risk Factors of Recurrent Falls Among Inpatients

Abstract

Background: Recurrent falls are more likely to cause injuries and disabilities than single falls. Purpose: This study investigated the incidence and risk factors of recurrent falls among inpatients. Methods: We analyzed inpatient fall data from the anomaly event notification database and electronic medical records of a hospital. We collected data regarding 1059 inpatients who had fallen during their hospital stay. Among these inpatients, 390 (36.83%) had fallen within the previous year. Results: Inpatients in the orthopedics and neurology wards were at a higher risk of recurrent falls than those in surgical wards; inpatients who were physically dependent were at a higher risk of recurrent falls than those who were physically independent; inpatients with poor vision were at a lower risk of recurrent falls than those without this issue; and inpatients who were using antidepressants were at a higher risk of recurrent falls than those who were not using antidepressants. Conclusion:The risk of recurrent falls is highly correlated with ward type, physical independence, selfperceived good vision, and use of antidepressants.

Fall rates by specialties and risk factors for falls in acute hospital: A retrospective study

“…The reasons for falls are usually complex, influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Significant intrinsic risk factors for falls are history of a recent fall, age and reduced mobility and cognitive ability (Chang et al, 2022;Härlein et al, 2011;Poh & Shorey, 2020).…”

“…In acute care, inpatient falls vary significantly among hospital units, possibly due to patients' characteristics and diseases. In acute care, fall rates range from 0.4–9 falls per 1000 PD (Bouldin et al, 2013; Chang et al, 2022; Williams et al, 2014; Zhao & Kim, 2015). The rates are higher in internal medicine, rehabilitation and neurology units, while lower rates are found in surgical and gynaecology care units (Bouldin et al, 2013; Lerdal et al, 2018; Thomas & Balmforth, 2021; Williams et al, 2014; Zhao & Kim, 2015).…”

“…Many studies have described fall rate results by unit types, such as rehabilitation or surgical units (Bouldin et al, 2013; Chang et al, 2022; Mikos et al, 2021). In addition, studies have reported their results with different indicators: for example, the percentages of falls from all treated patients or falls per 1000 PD (Bouldin et al, 2013; Mikos et al, 2021; Thomas & Balmforth, 2021; Trinh et al, 2019).…”

“…The reasons for falls are usually complex, influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Significant intrinsic risk factors for falls are history of a recent fall, age and reduced mobility and cognitive ability (Chang et al, 2022; Härlein et al, 2011; Poh & Shorey, 2020). Medical conditions identified for increased fall risk are depression; impaired vision; neurologic dysfunction such as dementia, delirium and stroke; and urinary incontinence (Cumbler & Likosky, 2011; Zhao & Kim, 2015).…”

“…Several studies have reported significantly increased risk of falls from medications. The link with falls has been identified with, for example, psychotropic, antipsychotic, antidepressant, diuretic and sedative medications (Chang et al, 2022; de Vries et al, 2018; Seppalä, Wermelink, et al, 2018; Zhao & Kim, 2015). In addition, polypharmacy is significantly associated with increased risk of falling (Seppalä, van de Glind, et al, 2018).…”