Preventing Patient Falls: What Are the Factors in Hospital Settings That Help Reduce and Prevent Inpatient Falls?

Patients are at a higher risk of falling in the hospital than at home because of their acute illness, medications, other treatments, or unfamiliarity with the hospital environment. Despite numerous efforts, inpatient falls remain a leading adverse event in hospitals and other inpatient settings, resulting in loss of function, death, and higher health costs. This article explores the factors in hospital settings that can reduce and prevent inpatient falls.