Classification of falls in stroke rehabilitation – not all falls are the same

Another attempt to classify falls into a taxonomy this time looking at different groups in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation ward. "There were 241 falls in 122 patients and most falls occurred around the bed (196 (81%) falls). Toileting-related falls occurred in 54 patients (22.4%). The taxonomy proposes seven main fall types. One fall type (‘I’m giving it a go’) appeared quite different and was associated with better functioning at time of fall and better outcomes. Other fall types were related to high dependency needs, visuospatial difficulties or delirium. Medication-related falls were uncommon in this cohort. The falls taxonomy developed showed four main types of falls with different, but overlapping, patient characteristics at time of fall with different outcomes. Different fall-prevention strategies may be required for each group." Click here to read the full article online