Falls Prevention In Hospital Settings For Older Adults: A Narrative Review
- Author:
Shyh Poh Teo
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
aged;
falls, inpatients;
hospitals;
risk assessment
- From:
Pacific Journal of Medical Sciences
2025;26(2):25-33
- CountryPapua New Guinea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Falls among older adults in hospital settings are a significant concern for patient safety, leading to
increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. This narrative review explores current practices and strategies for falls prevention in hospital environments, emphasizing policy development, risk assessment, and multidisciplinary approaches. Risk factors for falls include intrinsic factors such as impaired mobility and cognitive decline, and extrinsic factors such as poor design and environmental hazards. Effective fall prevention begins with structured screening and assessment processes, shifting from predictive scoring tools to individualized risk management.
A safe environment with adequate lighting, non-slip flooring, and ease of access to appropriate assistive devices is important to minimize fall risks. Universal fall prevention strategies such as patient education and proper bed positioning are necessary but should be complemented by targeted interventions for high- risk patients.
