Characteristics of single fallers and recurrent fallers among hospital in-patients.
BACKGROUND
Recurrent fallers constitute a minority of patients who fall but contribute considerably to the total number of falls recorded.


OBJECTIVE
To study the characteristics of recurrent fallers in a hospital setting.


METHODS
In a prospective observational study we investigated the characteristics of 1,025 patients admitted to a geriatric non-acute hospital. Patients were followed until discharge and were classified as non-fallers, single fallers or recurrent fallers.


RESULTS
We identified 824 non-fallers, 136 single fallers and 65 recurrent fallers contributing 175 falls. Compared to non-fallers, recurrent fallers were more likely to have pre-admission falls (p = 0.004), confusion (p < 0.0001), an unsafe gait (p = 0.0001) and be on tranquillisers (p = 0.018) and antidepressants (p = 0.006). They had longer stays in hospital (p < 0.0001) and more nursing home discharges (p = 0.0001). There was considerable overlap with risk factors for single fallers but compared to this group they were more likely to be confused (p = 0.027), and on antidepressant medication (p = 0.009). They also had a longer length of stay (p < 0.001) and more nursing home discharges (p = 0.03). Confusion (p = 0.0001), unsafe gait (p = 0.0006) and antidepressants (p = 0.018) were independently associated with recurrent falls.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important to recognise the risk factors that prospectively identify a recurrent faller because of the significant contribution to total falls by a relatively small number of patients. This may be useful not only in trying to reduce total falls but also in trying to reduce injury.
Vassallo
Michael
M
Kings Mill Hospital, Mansfield Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts NG17 4JL, UK. Michael.Vassallo@kmc-tr.nhs.uk
Sharma
Jagdish C
JC
Allen
Stephen C
SC
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006782:Hospitals, Special; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom