Selecting the Optimal Morse Falls Scale Cut-Off Point for Patient Fall Risk

Abstract

Patient falls have long been a difficult problem and topic of research in the inpatient hospital environment. Hospitals experience heavy financial burden due to patient falls. Preventing falls can improve patient outcomes as well as reduce financial burden on both the patient as well as the healthcare organization. In this study, we determine the optimal cut-off value for patients at risk for falls using a Falls Screening Tool, the Morse Falls Scale. This study was conducted at a community-owned hospital with 256 acute care private rooms and 36 critical care rooms. This study used only the admission Morse Falls Scale (MFS) score in its analysis.