Abstract
A large number of falls in hospitals occur on the way to the toilet. Accordingly, a literature search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify fall risk screening and assessment metrics published between 1980 and 2019 and to study the inclusion of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and their related parameters in these screening tools. In addition, the literature was searched to explore the relationship between toilet-related falls and LUTS. In total, 23 fall risk scales were selected, from which 11 were applicable for in-hospital patients. In nine of the 11 scales for in-hospital patients, a LUTS or LUTS-related parameter was included. In the 12 risk assessment tools for community-dwelling older people, there were no LUTS included. Frequency, urinary incontinence, and nocturia were mostly reported in the literature as a potential fall risk parameter. It is recommended to create greater awareness of nocturia and other LUTS among caregivers of hospitalized patients to prevent falls.
Highlights
Each year, at least 50% of people over 65 years of age will experience a fall
A recent systematic review concluded that nocturia increases the relative risk of falls by 20% and fractures by 32%17
Keywords used in the search were “fall risk assessment tool”, “fall risk scale”, “toileting management”, “fall prevention”, “nocturia”, “night-time falls”, and “in-hospital falls”
Summary
At least 50% of people over 65 years of age will experience a fall. The risk of falls is attributable to the use of both multiple and specific medications, frailty or pre-frailty, depression, or incontinence[5]. Many of the multiple causes of falls co-exist in older people hospitalized or in care centers[6]. People with a slow walking speed are at particular risk of falls, suggesting that selftoileting may be an important fall-related activity in incontinent patients[7]. Most fall risk tools are developed for older people. Older patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) should be identified on admission to the hospital ward in order to assess and prevent their risk of toileting-related falls
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
