Risk assessment of patient falls while taking medications ordered in a teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE

to stratify prescribed medication in a fall risk scale, identifying subgroups of drugs and inpatient units with higher risk of falls.

METHOD: retrospective study on prescription order forms given by medical clinic, surgical clinic, and general intensive care unit. Risk factors under consideration: 1) orthostatic hypotension; 2) arterial hypotension; 3) arterial hypertension; 4) bradycardia; 5) psychomotor agitation; 6) mental confusion; 7) dizziness; 8) drowsiness/sedation; 9) reduced eyesight; 10) seizures; 11) atonia/dystonia/muscle weakness; 12) hypoglycemia; 13) urgent urination and 14) urgent defecation/diarrhea. Risk levels adopted: 0: 0 factor; I: 1-2 factors; II: 3-5 factors; III: 6-9 factors; IV: 10-14 factors.

RESULTS

3893 drugs were analyzed and stratified in levels: 0 22.7%; I 33.5%; II 28%; III 15.1%; IV 0.7%. Levels III and IV more often refer to drugs for stomach acid disorders, 22.6%, and psycholeptics, 100%.

CONCLUSION

knowing the risk factors associated with medication may help prevent and reduce falls, especially when therapeutic regimens cannot be modified.