A multivariate fall risk assessment model for VHA nursing homes using the minimum data set.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to develop a multivariate fall risk assessment model beyond the current fall Resident Assessment Protocol (RAP) triggers for nursing home residents using the Minimum Data Set (MDS).


METHODS
Retrospective, clustered secondary data analysis.


METHODS
National Veterans Health Administration (VHA) long-term care nursing homes (N = 136).


METHODS
The study population consisted of 6577 national VHA nursing home residents who had an annual assessment during FY 2005, identified from the MDS, as well as an earlier annual or admission assessment within a 1-year look-back period.


METHODS
A dichotomous multivariate model of nursing home residents coded with a fall on selected fall risk characteristics from the MDS, estimated with general estimation equations (GEE).


RESULTS
There were 17 170 assessments corresponding to 6577 long-term care nursing home residents. The increased odds ratio (OR) of being classified as a faller relative to the omitted "dependent" category of activities of daily living (ADL) ranged from OR = 1.35 for "limited" ADL category up to OR = 1.57 for "extensive-2" ADL (P < .0001). Unsteady gait more than doubles the odds of being a faller (OR = 2.63, P < .0001). The use of assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or crutches, or the use of wheelchairs increases the odds of being a faller (OR = 1.17, P < .0005) or (OR = 1.19, P < .0002), respectively. Foot problems may also increase the odds of being a faller (OR = 1.26, P < .0016). Alzheimer's or other dementias also increase the odds of being classified as a faller (OR = 1.18, P < .0219) or (OR=1.22, P < .0001), respectively. In addition, anger (OR = 1.19, P < .0065); wandering (OR = 1.53, P < .0001); or use of antipsychotic medications (OR = 1.15, P < .0039), antianxiety medications (OR = 1.13, P < .0323), or antidepressant medications (OR = 1.39, P < .0001) was also associated with the odds of being a faller.


CONCLUSIONS
This national study in one of the largest managed healthcare systems in the United States has empirically confirmed the relative importance of certain risk factors for falls in long-term care settings. The model incorporated an ADL index and adjusted for case mix by including only long-term care nursing home residents. The study offers clinicians practical estimates by combining multiple univariate MDS elements in an empirically based, multivariate fall risk assessment model.
French
Dustin D
DD
VISN-8 Patient Safety Center of Inquiry, James A. Haley VAMC, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Dustin.French@va.gov
Werner
Dennis C
DC
Campbell
Robert R
RR
Powell-Cope
Gail M
GM
Nelson
Audrey L
AL
Rubenstein
Laurence Z
LZ
Bulat
Tatjana
T
Spehar
Andrea M
AM
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003221:Confusion / Q000150:complications; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D015233:Models, Statistical; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009735:Nursing Homes; D016017:Odds Ratio; D009983:Orthopedic Equipment; D010343:Patient Admission; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs