Impact of Timely Assessment for Risk of Fall by Using Morse Scale in Adult Medical & Surgical Unit of Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Patient falls in healthcare settings are a significant concern, impacting patient safety and healthcare outcomes. The Morse Fall Scale (MFS) has been widely recognized as an effective tool for assessing fall risk among hospitalized patients. Despite its widespread use, there is a need for a comprehensive evaluation of its effectiveness, implementation challenges, and the perceptions of healthcare staff towards its utility. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the MFS in reducing patient falls in a tertiary care hospital and to assess healthcare staff's perceptions regarding its usability and impact on patient care. Methods: A retrospective data analysis was conducted, examining fall events from July 2020 to December 2020, before the implementation of the MFS, and from January 2021 to May 2021, after its implementation. The study included all adult patients admitted to the medical and surgical units, excluding those from ambulatory care units and the emergency department. Staff perceptions were gauged through a survey assessing the ease of use, time efficiency, and effectiveness of the MFS in identifying high-risk patients. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 25 for statistical evaluation. Results: The implementation of the MFS was associated with a significant reduction in fall rates, from a total of 9 falls in the six months prior to implementation to zero falls in the five months post-implementation. Survey results indicated that 89% of nurses found the MFS quick and easy to use, 63% reported that it took less than 3 minutes to complete an assessment, 98% found the scale easy to understand, 95% stated it helped identify high-risk patients, and 97% felt comfortable tailoring interventions based on the MFS scores. Conclusion: The MFS effectively reduced fall rates in the hospital setting, with healthcare staff affirming its ease of use and effectiveness in identifying at-risk patients. These findings support the continued use and further refinement of the MFS as a critical component of patient safety strategies.