Accession Number:

ADA516519

Title:

Neurology Falls. Patient Falls Risk Assessment, Neurology Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. Jul 2008-Jan 2009

Corporate Author:

JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL BALTIMORE MD

Personal Author(s):

• Gardner, John M.

Report Date:

2009-07-06

Pagination or Media Count:

66.0

Abstract:

Falls among the elderly are common and result in personal injury, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Employing the Elderly Falls Screening Test EFST, Timed Up and Go TUG and Tinetti Scale, a multidisciplinary team at Johns Hopkins Hospital conducted an assessment of 104 neurology patients to identify fall risk factors within the ambulatory care setting. Results indicated a single question within the EFST, Have you fallen or nearly fallen in the last year most accurately identified the majority of patients at high risk. Recommended was to formalize the asking of this question during patient appointing so that individualized fall prevention measures could be implemented effectively. Environmental hazards were also identified during the assessment and included potential threats to patient safety within the waiting area, hallways, bathrooms, and examination rooms. The result was a system-wide process to reduce or eliminate associated risks.

Descriptors:

• *PATIENTS
• *RISK ANALYSIS
• *NEUROLOGY
• *ELDERLY
• SAFETY
• WOUNDS AND INJURIES
• ELIMINATION
• PREVENTION
• THREATS
• IDENTIFICATION
• REDUCTION
• ACCURACY
• MORTALITY RATE

Subject Categories:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medicine and Medical Research

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE