Neurology Falls. Patient Falls Risk Assessment, Neurology Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD

Abstract : Falls among the elderly are common and result in personal injury, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Employing the Elderly Falls Screening Test (EFST), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Tinetti Scale, a multidisciplinary team at Johns Hopkins Hospital conducted an assessment of 104 neurology patients to identify fall risk factors within the ambulatory care setting. Results indicated a single question within the EFST, "Have you fallen or nearly fallen in the last year?" most accurately identified the majority of patients at high risk. Recommended was to formalize the asking of this question during patient appointing so that individualized fall prevention measures could be implemented effectively. Environmental hazards were also identified during the assessment and included potential threats to patient safety within the waiting area, hallways, bathrooms, and examination rooms. The result was a system-wide process to reduce or eliminate associated risks.