The Risk Factors Associated with Patient Falls

Patient falls are one of the most frequent and costly hospital acquired conditions in the United States. Beyond the fall itself, hospitals are concerned about adverse events and injuries caused by a patient falling out of bed. These risks and injuries can include bruising, fractures, dislocations, brain injuries, a decline in overall health, and in some instances, death.¹

Patient falls can be one of the most challenging hospital incidents for healthcare providers to approach because of the varying risk factors and circumstances that contribute to each fall.

Who is at Risk for a Fall?

The National Center for Patient Safety has identified a number of physiological and internal risk factors that contribute to a patient’s risk of hospital falls including:²

1. Age
2. Chronic Disease
3. Visual Impairment
4. A Previous Fall
5.  Medication
6. 
   

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