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Aim This paper reports on a study undertaken to test the sensitivity, specificity and feasibility of four fall risk assessment tools. Background Falls risk assessment tools have been developed based on literature and findings from empirical studies, but the instruments often lack further testing in the clinical setting. Method Four falls risk assessment tools were tested simultaneously in this study. The data was collected in May-June 2006. All assessment tools were completed on a total of 1546 patients. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results The use of the instruments was moderately consistent among registered nurses, but the education provided did not entirely eliminate problems with accuracy. The sensitivity of the instruments was 57.1-100% and specificity was 24.9-69.3%. Conclusion The sensitivity and specificity of the instruments are important factors to consider when choosing an instrument. However, the strategies to educate staff and to intervene appropriately are equally important for an organization undertaking a proactive stance in mitigating the risk of falls. Implications for Nursing Management It is important for managers to test instruments in their own organizations and specific populations. It is also critical to carefully assess that the chosen instrument is easy and accurate in use. Language: en

Aim To evaluate currently available pediatric falls assessments instruments and to build a predictive fall model while also evaluating injury risk as a predictor of fall likelihood within the paediatric inpatient population. Background There is lack of paediatric-specific fall assessment instruments and little information on the exploration of injury risk as related to falls in hospitalized children. Method An ambispective, matched case-control design conducted in a sample of 100 inpatient paediatric patients. Results Two out of five instruments performed well to classify children at risk of falls. Longer length of stay, bleeding cautions/blood disorders and temperament/behaviour issues were significant predictors of fall likelihood. Cognitive impairment or neurological disease was not related to an increased likelihood of fall or injury risk for this sample. Conclusions More research is required to institute and standardize pediatric fall and injury risk assessments for everyday use. The explicit approach of using predictive modelling is critical in creating a universal, baseline reference for the most reliable and valid measure of assessment in children. Implications for nursing management Findings of the present study increase awareness of nursing managers and leaders as to the necessity for fall and injury risk assessment as a safety and quality measure for inpatient pediatric populations. Language: en

This paper reports on a study undertaken to test the sensitivity, specificity and feasibility of four fall risk assessment tools.Falls risk assessment tools have been developed based on literature and findings from empirical studies, but the instruments often lack further testing in the clinical setting.Four falls risk assessment tools were tested simultaneously in this study. The data was collected in May-June 2006. All assessment tools were completed on a total of 1546 patients. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.The use of the instruments was moderately consistent among registered nurses, but the education provided did not entirely eliminate problems with accuracy. The sensitivity of the instruments was 57.1-100% and specificity was 24.9-69.3%.The sensitivity and specificity of the instruments are important factors to consider when choosing an instrument. However, the strategies to educate staff and to intervene appropriately are equally important for an organization undertaking a proactive stance in mitigating the risk of falls.It is important for managers to test instruments in their own organizations and specific populations. It is also critical to carefully assess that the chosen instrument is easy and accurate in use.

To evaluate currently available paediatric falls assessments instruments and to build a predictive fall model while also evaluating injury risk as a predictor of fall likelihood within the paediatric inpatient population.There is lack of paediatric-specific fall assessment instruments and little information on the exploration of injury risk as related to falls in hospitalized children.An ambispective, matched case-control design conducted in a sample of 100 inpatient paediatric patients. Results Two out of five instruments performed well to classify children at risk of falls. Longer length of stay, bleeding cautions/blood disorders and temperament/behaviour issues were significant predictors of fall likelihood. Cognitive impairment or neurological disease was not related to an increased likelihood of fall or injury risk for this sample.More research is required to institute and standardize paediatric fall and injury risk assessments for everyday use. The explicit approach of using predictive modelling is critical in creating a universal, baseline reference for the most reliable and valid measure of assessment in children.Findings of the present study increase awareness of nursing managers and leaders as to the necessity for fall and injury risk assessment as a safety and quality measure for inpatient paediatric populations.