Evaluation of Risk Factors for Fall Incidence Based on Statistical Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Falls are common among hospitalized patients, particularly affecting older adults. This study analyzed patients who experienced falls at Kangwon National University Hospital (KNUH) and classified them based on department and nursing shift hours.

METHODS

Data from adult patients admitted to KNUH between 2018 and 2023 who experienced falls were analyzed, focusing on demographics, medications, comorbidities, alcohol and smoking histories, and the Morse Fall Scale. The goal was to identify the key variables contributing to falls in hospitalized patients.

RESULTS

From 2018 to 2023, 336 internal medicine and 159 surgical patients experienced falls. Surgical patients had a longer length of stay (34.49 ± 47.52 vs. 24.63 ± 28.37 d, = 0.016), and falls occurred more frequently during night shifts. Surgical patients had longer hospital stays (34.49 ± 47.52 vs. 24.63 ± 28.37 days), took more medications (9.20 vs. 6.83), and experienced falls sooner after narcotic use (3.77 vs. 6.17 days) than internal medicine patients. Patients who fell during night shifts were older, while those who fell during day shifts had a longer length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found higher fall rates in internal medicine patients who had shorter lengths of stay and took fewer medications. Further research is needed on fall risk factors and prevention strategies.