title: Developing a self-reported tool on fall risk based on toileting responses on in-hospital falls.
abstract: The aim of this cohort study was to determine the predictive value of a 2-item self-reported questionnaire regarding in-hospital toileting behavior for predicting falls in older inpatients and to compare its performance with an existing state-based falls assessment scale. Between May 28, 2009 and January 30, 2010, we assessed aged care inpatients for risk of falls using the standard STRATIFY fall screening tool and the 2-item self-reported questionnaire developed for this study. The participants were then followed up, with the primary outcome being the occurrence of falls. Results indicated that participants who were unable to answer the 2-item questionnaire appropriately or sensibly were 14.1 times (confidence interval [CI]: 4.4-45, p <. 001) to 17.0 times (CI: 6.7-43, p < .001) more likely to fall than those who gave an appropriate negative or positive answer. Participants who were assessed to be at high risk of falls on the STRATIFY scale were 9.5 times (odds ratio: 9.5, CI: 1.3-72, p = .03) more likely to fall than those who were low risk. In conclusion, a simple bedside questionnaire regarding patients' toileting behavior with a careful appraisal of answers for appropriate and inappropriate answers may be used as a quick screening tool of fall risk.
authors: Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Anita
authors: A
authors: Ko
authors: Huong Van
authors: HV
authors: Nguyen
authors: Leemin
authors: L
authors: Chan
authors: Qing
authors: Q
authors: Shen
authors: Xiao Man
authors: XM
authors: Ding
authors: Daniel Leonard
authors: DL
authors: Chan
authors: Daniel Kam Yin
authors: DK
authors: Chan
authors: Kaye
authors: K
authors: Brock
authors: Lindy
authors: L
authors: Clemson
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014038:Toilet Facilities