Evaluation of Fall Risk in Hemodialysis Patients within the Scope of Quality Improvements: A Comparison of Two Assessment Scales

Abstract

Introduction: Patient falls are one of the most important quality indicators in healthcare. Aim: It was aimed to compare two tools used to evaluate fall risk in hemodialysis patients. Method: The mean age of the patients was 58.72 ± 14.49 years and 62% were male. The mean duration of treatment was 4.98 ± 4.71 years. Within the last year, 33% of the patients had a history of falling. The patients' fall risk was assessed using the Itaki Fall Risk Scale and Dialysis Fall Risk Index. The relationship between patients' age, gender, duration of hemodialysis treatment, and the status of having a chronic disease and falls were examined. Results: According to the Itaki Scale, 57% were in the ''high-risk'' group. According to the Dialysis Fall Risk Index, 64% were in the "very high risk" group. The mean Itaki Fall Risk Scale score was 4.75 ± 3.92, and the mean of the Dialysis Fall Risk Index was 7.59 ± 1.92. According to the cut-of score, the sensitivity and specifiity of the Itaki Fall Risk Scale were 97% and 99.6%, and the Dialysis Fall Risk Index was 93.9% and 99.6%. The positive and negative predictive value were 56.1% and 97.7%, respectively for the Itaki Fall Risk Scale. These points were 51.6% and 100% for the Dialysis Fall Risk Index. Conclusion: Both scales were effctive in improving care quality in hemodialysis centers. Itaki Scale may be preferred due to its ease of use and patient compliance.