This study aimed to investigate the relationship between falls and cognitive and balance problems in patients.
Methods
This retrospective observational study analyzed the medical records of 1010 older patients admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward. The primary endpoint was fall occurrence during ward stays. The main outcomes were the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Standing Test for Imbalance and Disequilibrium (SIDE), with patients divided into groups of MMSE ≥28 and <28 and SIDE ≥2b and <2b.
Results
During ward stays, 220 patients (22%) fell. Estimating the fall risk of the MMSE ≥28 + SIDE ≥2b group compared to that of other groups revealed that only the MMSE <28 + SIDE <2b group had a significantly higher fall risk, with a hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] of 3.13 [1.51–6.46].
Conclusion
Combined MMSE and SIDE assessment at ward admission facilitated the easy identification of individuals at high fall risk.
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