Falls risk assessment and prevention in older people in healthcare facilities.

Abstract

Falls among older adults in healthcare facilities are a significant cause of injury and morbidity, with serious implications for patient health and healthcare costs. This article provides an in-depth review of falls risk assessment tools and prevention strategies, emphasising the multifactorial nature of falls, which include intrinsic factors such as medical conditions and extrinsic factors such as environmental hazards. The article discusses widely used risk assessment tools in the UK, including the Morse fall scale, Stratify, and the timed up and go test, and highlights the importance of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to fall prevention. Evidence-based strategies such as environmental modifications, exercise programmes, medication reviews, and patient education are explored. The article concludes that ongoing assessment, staff training and the integration of technology are vital in reducing falls and improving patient safety in healthcare settings.