Cognitive status as a robust predictor of repeat falls in older Veterans in post-acute care
- PMID: 32594461
- DOI: 10.1007/s40520-020-01635-8
Cognitive status as a robust predictor of repeat falls in older Veterans in post-acute care
Abstract
Background: While repeat falls are common in post-acute care (PAC), risk factors have not been fully elucidated.
Aims: The objective of thids study is to evaluate the contribution of cognitive function to repeat falls in older PAC Veterans.
Methods: Data were collected from medical records for 91 single and 30 repeat fallers over 5 consecutive years (2011-2016).
Results: After controlling for demographic and medical factors, lower Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) score was associated with increased odds of repeat falls. MMSE scores below 20 (with age held constant at the mean) were associated with a greater than 50% chance of a repeat fall (compared to 24.7% base rate). Admission for a neurologic reason further increased risk.
Discussion: PAC Veterans who experience a fall have an increased risk of repeat falls with concomitant cognitive dysfunction and/or admission for neurologic reasons.
Conclusions: Results support tailoring multi-component interventions for those with cognitive dysfunction utilizing standardized mental status screening upon admission.
Keywords: Cognitive function; Older adults; Post-acute care; Repeat falls.
References
-
- VA National Center for Patient Safety, Falls Toolkit. http://www.patientsafety.va.gov/professionals/onthejob/falls.asp . Accessed 13 Jan 2020
-
- Morley JE (2014) Adverse events in post-acute care: the office of the inspector general’s report. JAMDA 15:305–306 - PubMed
-
- Donald IP, Pitt K, Armstrong E, Shuttleworth H (2000) Preventing falls on an elderly care rehabilitation ward. Clin Rehabil 14:178–185 - DOI
-
- Vassallo M, Vignaraja R, Sharma JC et al (2004) Predictors for falls among hospital inpatients with impaired mobility. J R Soc Med 97:266–269 - DOI
-
- Rochat S, Monod S, Seematter-Bagnoud L et al (2013) Fallers in postacute rehabilitation have worse functional recovery and increased health services use. JAMDA 14:832–836 - PubMed
MeSH terms
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Medical