A Validation Study of the Missouri Alliance for Home Care Fall Risk Assessment Tool

Abstract

A retrospective review ( n = 2,247) was conducted from July 1st to October 1st 2010 to determine validity of the Missouri Alliance for Home Care Fall Risk Assessment Tool (MAHC-10). Fall risk was identified by a MAHC-10 score ≥ 4. Two sample t test, chi-square, logistic regression, and ROC curve analyses were performed. Fallers (6.35 ± 1.7, n = 195) and nonfallers (5.70 ± 1.9, n = 2,052) had significantly different ( p = .011) MAHC-10 scores. The MAHC-10 cutoff score of 4 demonstrated 96.9% sensitivity and 13.3% specificity; however, ROC curve analyses revealed a cutoff score of 6 maximized combined sensitivity and specificity. The MAHC-10 is valid for fall risk screening in the home health setting; however, a cutoff score of 6 may more accurately predict fall risk.