Identifying Characteristics of Fall Episodes and Fall-related Risks of Hospitalized Patients

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify falls and related risks of hospitalized patients in order to provide an baseline data to develop effective nursing intervention programs for fall prevention. Methods: The data on 120 patients who experienced falls from 2010 to 2013 during their hospitalization were collected from the patient' electronic medical records of an university hospital. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics using SPSS/WIN 20.0. Results: Over 60% of the patients who experienced falls during their hospitalization was 65 years or older, and most of them had hypertension. Majority of the subjects needed help to perform daily activities (64%) and complained of general weakness (49.2%). Prior to the falls, the patients were taking average 2.52 medications to treat hypertension. The Fall accident was mostly frequently occurred in their hospital room (59.2%), or in bed (44.2%). The patients aged 70 years and older were significantly less alert than younger group, and taking more cardiovascular medications. Most fall risk factors were not significantly different for age, gender, and department category. Conclusion: The study findings suggest the need to emphasize the nurses to be more actively aware of fall risk factors and to provide aggressive interventions for preventing falls in hospitalized patients.

Risk Factors for Fall-Related Serious Injury among Korean Adults: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Analysis

“…Falls are not common among young people. Fall-related injuries occur in approximately 25% to 55% of patients admitted to hospitals that care for older adults in Korea, and 1.2% to 16.2% of falls involve serious injuries such as fractures, cerebral hemorrhage, and death [1][2][3]. Fall-related injuries lead to extended hospital stays and increased medical expenses [4], and may lead to complaints such as mental distress and medical litigation for patients and their families [5].…”

The Effect of Pediatric Inpatient Fall Prevention Education on Caregivers' Fall-related Knowledge and Preventive Behaviors

“…우리나라의 낙상 관련 연구는 대부분 노인이나 성인을 대 상으로 하고 있으며 (Kang & Song, 2015;Shin et al, 2005), 아동과 관련된 연구는 아동 입원환자의 낙상 위험 예측 요인 (Cho et al, 2013), 낙상 위험 예측 도구개발 (Shin et al, 2014) 및 낙상예방교육의 효과 (Park, 2011) (Cooper & Nolt, 2007;Evans et al, 2001;Schaffer et al, 2012) (Bagnasco, Sobrero, Sperlinga, Tibaldi, & Sasso, 2010;Silva et al, 2006…”

Risk Factors for Falls in Tertiary Hospital Inpatients: A Survival Analysis

“…낙상의 외재적 요인으로는 침대 높이, 젖은 바닥, 어두운 조명 등과 같은 환경적 요인 (Severo et al, 2014)과 의료진의 낙상에 대한 인식부족이 나 관리소홀 등과 같은 의료진 관련요인 (Severo et al, 2014)이 보고되었다. 한편 Evans, Hodgkinson, Lambert 와 Wood (2001) (Kang & Song, 2015;Kim et al, 2011). 국내 , 타당도 역시 가장 높았다 (Kang & Song, 2015).…”

“…한편 Evans, Hodgkinson, Lambert 와 Wood (2001) (Kang & Song, 2015;Kim et al, 2011). 국내 , 타당도 역시 가장 높았다 (Kang & Song, 2015).…”