Patient Perception of Fall Risk and Fall Risk Screening Scores

Abstract

Background: 

Falls are the most prevalent adverse event among hospitalized patients. Multilevel risk factors are associated with falls, yet falls continue.

Purpose: 

To evaluate the relationship between the Johns Hopkins Fall Risk instrument, patient characteristics, and perception of fall risk.

Methods: 

The Johns Hopkins Fall Risk score, patient perception of fall risk, and patient characteristics were analyzed among inpatient adults (n = 201) from 5 acute care units in a large southern California medical center.

Results: 

Bivariate analyses revealed that fall risk was inversely associated with participants' confidence in their ability to perform high fall risk behaviors without help and without falling (P = .018).

Conclusions: 

Perception of fall risk is a promising new indicator in preventing falls. Patient perception of fall risk may elicit a behavior change to help prevent falls. Increased health care provider awareness of patient perception of fall risk may improve fall risk interventions and prevention programs.