The predictive validity of the Morse Fall Scale in hospitalized patients in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Abstract Aim. The main aim of the study was to test the Morse Fall Scale (MFS) in the Czech population of hospitalized patients and to determine the predictive validity of the scale by assessing its specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and cut-off points. Material and methods. The study was a prospective follow-up study. Ten acute and long-term care units in two selected hospitals participated in the study. The sample consisted of 4383 patients. To assess the patients’ risk of falls, the MFS was chosen. The patients were assessed on admission. Results. The reliability of the Morse Fall Scale measured by Cronbach’s alpha was 0.484. Using a cut-off point of 35, the sensitivity was 61.1% and the specificity was 53%. The positive predictive value was 10.5% and the negative predictive value was 90.6%. Conclusions. Results of the study revealed only moderate predictive accuracy of the Morse Fall Scale.