FACTORS RELATED TO THE INCIDENCE OF FALLS IN HOSPITAL: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Patient falls in hospitals are a worldwide public health problem, leading to complications, longer hospital stays and increased hospital costs. The aim of this article is to identify the factors related to the incidence of falls in a hospital context. Methodology: Literature review, including scientific articles published between January 2013 and June 2023, in scientific databases included on the EBSCOhost platform. After this selection, five articles were included in the review, according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: Intrinsic factors were identified as risk factors for hospital falls: having an advanced age, difficulty in mobility and decreased strength, disorientation and the administration of certain medications; and extrinsic factors: having a peripheral venous catheter, a low nurse-to-patient ratio, a prolonged hospital stay and problems related to the safety of the hospital environment itself. Conclusion: It was found that there are numerous risk factors for falls in hospital, and it is essential to take action to prevent a greater number of falls, namely through greater surveillance of people at greater risk of falling, as well as through better management of risk factors, extrinsic to the patient, by the multi-professional health team.