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  • Title: Characteristics of falls in inpatient psychiatric units.
    Author: Scanlan J, Wheatley J, McIntosh S.
    Journal: Australas Psychiatry; 2012 Aug; 20(4):305-8. PubMed ID: 22807557.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: Falls in inpatient psychiatric units are more frequent than in other age-matched unit types. We set out to explore factors associated with falls in inpatient units in a large metropolitan mental health service. METHOD: Contributory factors, location, activity and outcomes were identified for 559 falls. Overall falls rates were also calculated. RESULTS: Falls rate was 1.25 per 1000 occupied bed days, with highest rates in psychogeriatric units. Almost 50% of falls were related to physiological factors, with balance or mobility difficulties accounting for 19% of all falls. Falls most frequently occurred in bedrooms, outdoor areas, corridors and bathrooms. The most common activity at the time of the fall was walking (41%) and transfers were associated with 17% of falls. Outcomes were evenly spread between no outcome and minor to moderate injury. No severe injuries were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Although falls may have been under-reported, this study establishes an analysis framework and baseline data for the monitoring of falls in inpatient psychiatric units in Australia.
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