title: Conley Scale: assessment of a fall risk prevention tool in a General Hospital.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  "Umberto I" Teaching Hospital adopted 'Conley scale' as internal procedure for fall risk assessment, with the aim of strengthening surveillance and improving prevention and management of impatient falls.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case-control study was performed. Fall events from 1st March 2012 to 30th September 2013 were considered. Cases have been matched for gender, department and period of hospitalization with two or three controls when it is possible. A table including intrinsic and extrinsic 'fall risk' factors, not foreseen by Conley Scale, and setted up after a literature overview was built. Univariate analysis and conditional logistic regression model have been performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  50 cases and 102 controls were included. Adverse event 'fall' were associated with filled Conley scale at the admission to care unit (OR = 4.92, 95%CI = 2.34-10.37). Univariate analysis identified intrinsic factors increasing risk of falls: dizziness (OR = 3.22; 95%CI = 1.34-7.75), psychomotor agitation (OR = 2.61; 95%CI = 1.06-6.43); and use of means of restraint (OR = 5.05 95%CI = 1.77-14.43). Conditional logistic regression model revealed a significant association with the following variables: use of instruments of restraint (HR = 5.54, 95%CI = 1.2- 23.80), dizziness (OR = 3.97, 95%CI = 1.22-12.89).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Conley Scale must be filled at the access of patient to care unit. There were no significant differences between cases and controls with regard to risk factors provided by Conley, except for the use of means of restraint. Empowerment strategies for Conley compilation are needed.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Risk Management "Umberto I" Rome Teaching Hospital;
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Guzzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Meggiolaro
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mannocci
authors.affiliation: Clinical Risk Management "Umberto I" Rome Teaching Hospital;
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tecca
authors.affiliation: Clinical Risk Management "Umberto I" Rome Teaching Hospital;
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Salomone
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: La Torre
keywords: Clinical risk management; Conley Scale; Fall prevention