Patient Location and Mobility Factors Associated with Falls on an Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry Unit

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective: The purpose of this study is to describe the location and patient activity factors associated with falls on one inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit. Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective analysis of 61 patient fall events during a 3-year review period. Results: Most falls, 67.8% (n = 40), occurred in the patients’ personal areas as compared to the communal areas, 32.2% (n = 19). The most common locations of patient falls were the patient room (44.1%, n = 26), bathroom (23.7%, n = 14), hallway (18.6%, n = 11), and living room (11.9%, n = 7). The most common patient activities at the time of a fall were ambulating (49.1%; n = 28) and transferring (36.8%, n = 21). More than half (57.1%, n = 12) of all transfer-related falls occurred during a bed transfer. Conclusions: The findings suggest that clinical fall risk assessments and interventions in inpatient geriatric psychiatry units should emphasize patient personal space areas and include mobility factors, particularly ambulation and transfers.