Incidence of falls in three different types of geriatric care. A Swedish prospective study.
The incidence and consequences of falls were investigated in three different types of Swedish geriatric care clinics: a geriatric rehabilitation clinic, a psychogeriatric clinic and a nursing home. Falls were prospectively registered by the nursing staff. The incidence rate (and 95% confidence interval) of falls per 10,000 patient days of the psychogeriatric clinic was 171 (146-196), compared with 92 (72-112) at the geriatric rehabilitation clinic, and 31 (22-41) at the nursing home. Most falls (62%) did not result in injury, while major injuries occurred in 5%. We conclude that accidental falls are a major problem in geriatric care in Sweden, but there is a considerable difference in incidence rates between different types of institutions.
Nyberg
L
L
Department of Geriatric Medicine, Umeå University, Sweden.
Gustafson
Y
Y
Janson
A
A
Sandman
P O
PO
Eriksson
S
S
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology