[Fall events in geriatric hospital in-patients. Results of prospective recording over a 3 year period].
For a period of 3 consecutive years, all fall events were prospectively recorded in geriatric hospital in-patients by using a standardized protocol. The incidence was 9.1 fall events/1000 hospital days in 5946 patients, and 41.0/1000 hospital days in 1015 patients (17.0%) who actually had falls. The fall rate varied between 35.0-57.0/1000 hospital days according to the main diagnostic group. Fall events were more often recorded in men than women. Recurrent falls (> or =3 falls) which contributed 13% to the 1596 falls were recorded more frequently in male patients. The majority of fall events (73.5%) occurred in patient rooms, another 20% on the floor between the patient's bedroom and toilet/bath, or in the toilet/bath, respectively. The absolute numbers of falls during night and day were not different. However, there were different patterns in the time distribution of high fall frequencies according to the main diagnostic groups. Confusion and dehydration were recorded more frequently with fall events in patients 80 years and older, and more often in fall events during the night. Injuries due to falls which had to be treated were rare, and fall-related fractures were very rare. The average duration of in-hospital stay was longer for patients with than without falls.
Medizinisch-Geriatrische Klinik, Albertinen-Haus, Zentrum für Geriatrie und Gerontologie, Wissenschaftliche Einrichtung an der Universität Hamburg, Sellhopsweg 18-22, 22459 Hamburg, Germany.
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D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005853:Geriatrics; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006782:Hospitals, Special / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012308:Risk Management / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology