Characteristics of falls in inpatient psychiatric units

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.