Falls

Background

• Screen annually for falls in the past year
  • History of fall is a strong risk factor for future falls
  • Recommended History Screening Tool: CDC STEADI Algorithm
• Physical Exam Screening Tools:
  • If potentially unstable injuries (new spine fracture or lower extremity fracture): Clarify weightbearing status with surgical teams
  • If no potentially unstable injuries, attempt to get the patient out of bed
    • If lying down, have them lift each leg off the bed
    • If they can do this, ask them to sit up on side of bed
    • If they can do this, ask them to stand
  • If they can do this without assistance, then observe them walk
  • The Timed “up and Go” Test (TUG) tool for fall risk
    • Have the patient rise from sitting in a chair, walk 10 feet forward, turn around, walk back to chair, and sit down
    • Patients who require 12 or more seconds are at increased risk for falls o
  • Med Rec:
    • Antipsychotics, antidepressants, anticholinergics, anxiolytics, sedatives/hypnotics, anti-hypertensives, antiarrhythmics, steroids, statins all can increase risk of falls