What is the primary purpose of a fall risk assessment?

The primary purpose of a fall risk assessment is to identify patients at risk for falls and implement preventive measures. Falls are a significant health concern, particularly in older adults, leading to serious injuries such as fractures and head trauma. A comprehensive fall risk assessment involves evaluating various risk factors, including medical history, physical function, medication use, and environmental hazards. By identifying individuals at higher risk, healthcare providers can tailor interventions such as strength training, balance exercises, medication reviews, home safety evaluations, and education to mitigate these risks effectively. This proactive approach ultimately aims to enhance patient safety and prevent fall-related injuries.

While evaluating medication adherence, assessing nutritional intake, and determining mobility issues are important components of overall patient health, they do not specifically focus on the multifaceted nature of fall risk. These other factors are often part of a broader assessment but are not the primary goal of a fall risk assessment.