Determinazione del valore predittivo di una scala di valutazione del rischio di cadute in pazienti anziani ospedalizzati [The predictive value of a risk assessment tool for falls in elderly hospitalized patients]

Falls represent a significant problem in acute care settings, and are responsible of severe complications, especially in older adults. Although the literature has suggested a large number of instruments for the assessment of fall risk, their validity is questionable. A prospective cohort study was designed to test the performance of FRASS (Fall Risk Assessment Scoring System) in identifying at risk patients. All patients aged > 65 years admitted to seven Medical Units of Bergamo Hospital (Italy) between November 1, 2007 and January 31, 2008 were screened with the FRASS. Falls occurred in 16/564 (2.8%) patients. FRASS sensitivity and specificity were low (50% and 59%, respectively). Since this instrument classifies too many patients who do not fall as at risk, and some patients who fall at no risk, its implementation in our hospital cannot be recommended.