Description
The importance of falls stems from the considerable morbidity and mortality associated with them. Recent studies in a number of settings have shown that falls can be reduced. This highlights the importance of fall risk assessment aimed at identifying patients likely to fall and most likely to benefit from targeted fall prevention measures. In addition, serial assessments can be used to monitor progress with treatment and can be used to maintain and improve patient motivation by providing the patient with an objective means of assessing progress. This article discusses the various fall risk assessments that have been validated both in a community setting as well as in an institutional and hospital setting.
