Fall risk factors in elderly patients with cognitive impairment on rehabilitation wards
Authors: Vassallo, M., Mallela, S.K., Williams, A., Kwan, J., Allen, S. and Sharma, J.C.
Journal: Geriatrics and Gerontology International
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
Pages: 41-46
eISSN: 1447-0594
ISSN: 1444-1586
DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2008.00506.x
Abstract:Background: Confusion and cognitive impairment, are risk factors for falls in hospital. Evidence for reducing falls in cognitively-impaired patients is limited and to date no intervention has consistently been shown to reduce falls in this group of patients. We explored characteristics associated with falls in cognitively-impaired patients in a rehabilitation setting. Methods: In a prospective observational study, 825 consecutive patients were studied. Patient characteristics were assessed on admission. Factors predisposing to falls in cognitively-impaired patients were identified. Results: Cognitively-impaired patients were more likely to be fallers or recurrent fallers and more likely to sustain an injury than cognitively intact patients. They had a higher incidence of nursing home discharges and a significantly higher mortality. Logistic regression analysis showed that an unsafe gait (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval, 0.13 - 0.57) was the only independent risk factor for falls in this group of patients. There was a cumulative higher risk of falling associated with an unsafe gait demonstrable throughout the patients' stay. Conclusion: Unsafe gait was the only significant independent risk factor for falls among cognitively-impaired patients in a rehabilitation environment. Interventions that improve gait patterns or that enhance safety for patients with abnormal gait are required if fall reduction in this group of patients is to be achieved. © 2009 Japan Geriatrics Society.
Source: Scopus