Authors (including presenting author) :
Ng YT(1), Cheung TM(1), Wong MC(1), Cheng P(1), Lam PL(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Physiotherapy Department, Queen Mary Hospital
Keyword 1: :
fall prevention
Keyword 2: :
multidisciplinary team
Introduction :
Fall prevention is a key priority in risk management within the Hospital Authority. A significant proportion of inpatient falls occur among patients who are permitted to ambulate independently in wards. In response to this issue, the Physiotherapy Department of Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) initiated a pilot program in August 2021. The program aims to identify fall risks among self-ambulatory patients and to implement targeted preventive strategies. Following the pilot phase, the program was officially launched in April 2024.
Objectives :
1)Minimize fall incidence in patients classified as low to moderate fall risk. 2)Provide physiotherapy treatment to modify risk of fall in ward 3)To facilitate communication with nurses concerning fall preventive measures
Methodology :
Patients admitted to designated wards were assessed through Morse Fall Scale (MFS) by nurses. Patients who were either (1. allowed for self-ambulation in ward and scored between 25-44 in MFS, which is classified as low to moderate fall risk) or (2. classified as high risk in Booguu assessment, which was introduced in July 2025), were recruited into the program. Physiotherapists assessed the patients’ fall risk through history taking and Five Time Sit-to-stand (FTSTS) test. Patients scored more than 12 seconds in FTSTS were provided with detailed fall risk assessment including manual muscle testing, gait assessment, Berg Balance Scale, and Time Up and Go Test. Recommendations and interventions were given according to the assessment findings. A signage to indicate patients’ mobility was displaced in smart panels, and a recommendation sheet was placed in patients’ notes to facilitate communication between healthcare workers.
Result & Outcome :
From April 2024 to October 2025, 325 patients were screened for fall risk through this program, with 668 attendances done. 35 of them scored more than 12 seconds in FTSTS test and required detailed fall risk assessment. During this period, there was 1 fall episode that happened within hospital stay among those patients recruited to this program. Fall rate with respect to number of patients ((number of fall episodes / number of patients) x 100%) is 0.3%.
