Current Approaches to Fall Risk Assessment in Nursing Homes

Although falls are the most frequently reported adverse events in nursing homes (NH), fall risk assessment is not standardized or regulated. The purpose of this study was to examine the types of fall risk assessment tools (FRATs) used in NH to identify which are used and the domains they include. Participating facilities completed a survey and were requested to submit a copy of their FRAT. A content analysis of the 137 surveys and 54 FRATs revealed that there was little consistency among the NH in terms of the type of FRAT used, and most of the FRATs submitted were not evidence-based. Improved and validated FRATs are needed to aid NH staff in evaluating NH residents who are at risk for falls.