title: Validating a multifactorial falls risk assessment.
abstract: Reducing risk of falls has been identified as a national safety goal by The Joint Commission (TJC). The purpose was to determine if the total score on the multifactorial Falls Risk Assessment accurately identifies the risk of falls in a homebound client. In addition, the study examined if any individual item had a higher predictive power with the incidence of falls. One hundred clients (> 65 years old) who sustained an avoidable fall during a home care episode of care, plus 25 home care clients in the same age range and time period, who did not fall. A retrospective chart review, including Falls Risk Assessment (FRA) performed at start of care, demographic information, specific physical therapy (PT) evaluation, and visit notes if necessary to determine if the fall met the inclusion criteria. Scores for each individual area of the assessment were collected for statistical analysis. Data were analyzed by a biostatistician using simple linear regression, t-tests, and regression of variable combinations. The total score on the multifactorial risk assessment tool was shown to have a strong relationship with incidence of falls. The average scores of individuals who fell after assessment were significantly higher than those of individuals who did not fall. No single factors were found to be highly predictive. A single approach to decreasing falls is likely to be less effective than a multipronged approach. Caregivers and providers are advised to consider the entirety of the falls risk and direct comprehensive interventions to address the multiple factors that lead to falls.
authors: Michele B. James, BSN, MSS, RN-BC, is a Home Health Nurse in The Home Care Network, Main Line Health, Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Nancy J. Kimmons, BS, PT, is a Therapy Manager at Rehab Affiliates, Main Line Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Britta Schasberger, MSPT, EdD, is a Development Coordinator at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Main Line Health, Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Abigail Lefkowitz is a Statistician at Digitas Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors: Michele B
authors: MB
authors: James
authors: Nancy J
authors: NJ
authors: Kimmons
authors: Britta
authors: B
authors: Schasberger
authors: Abigail
authors: A
authors: Lefkowitz
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006699:Home Care Services; D064650:Home Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D010414:Pennsylvania; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D017678:Sex Distribution