Be Familiar With Meds That Increase Fall Risk

Nearly 1 million patients fall in the hospital each year in the US...with about one-fourth leading to injuries (fractures, etc).

Expect your hospital to use a fall-risk assessment tool, such as the Morse Fall Scale. This can help identify at-risk patients...those with a fall history, impaired vision, confusion, IV lines, etc.

Watch for high-risk patients when doing med histories. For example, “High fall risk” may be documented in the EHR...or some hospitals post door signs or have these patients wear a certain color of socks.