Georgie Rose1, Veerle Decalf2, Karel Everaert2, Wendy F Bower1,3. 1. Department of Medicine & Aged Care, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 2. Department of Urology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. 3. Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of toileting-related falls in hospitalised older people. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of falls related to night-time toileting in patients 60 years or over in a tertiary hospital during a one-year period. RESULTS: Overall 34% of falls were related to toileting with at least 44% of these falls occurring during the night. Toilet-related falls peaked between 11 pm and 1 am, a period that coincides with maximum supine-induced diuresis. Almost half of night falls occurred at the bedside. In 80% of night toileting-related falls, patients were mobilising without the recommended level of assistance. Half of all patients had no strategies for toileting documented in their care plan. CONCLUSION: Findings support screening for nocturia in older inpatients and implementation of strategies to reduce both the need for toileting at night and risk factors for falling.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of toileting-related falls in hospitalised older people. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of falls related to night-time toileting in patients 60 years or over in a tertiary hospital during a one-year period. RESULTS: Overall 34% of falls were related to toileting with at least 44% of these falls occurring during the night. Toilet-related falls peaked between 11 pm and 1 am, a period that coincides with maximum supine-induced diuresis. Almost half of night falls occurred at the bedside. In 80% of night toileting-related falls, patients were mobilising without the recommended level of assistance. Half of all patients had no strategies for toileting documented in their care plan. CONCLUSION: Findings support screening for nocturia in older inpatients and implementation of strategies to reduce both the need for toileting at night and risk factors for falling.