Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2017 Jun;60(6):271-278. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2016.17531.

Analysis of Fall Accidents of Dizzy Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in South Korea (2011-2015)

• Kim SK
• Lee SH
• Lee SH
• Song JJ
• Gwak MJ
• Lee HS
• Im GJ

• KMID: 2386109
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2016.17531

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
A fall refers to a sudden fall accident resulting in injury and hurt of the human body. In the hospital, fall accidents occur mainly in dizzy patients or elderly people, but can also occur even in young people who fail to adapt to the unfamiliar hospital environment. This study analyzed the incidence of fall accidents and its pattern in dizzy patients in a tertiary hospital in South Korea.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
This study was conducted using 477 fall accidents that occurred in a tertiary hospital in Korea from 2011 to 2015. Extensively investigated were related fall risk factors such as patient's sex, age, medical department, diagnosis, first witness, mental status, physical activity, patient risk factors, walking aids, medication use and treatment.
RESULTS
Dizziness induced falls consisted of 20.5% of the total fall accidents. Sedative medications were frequently used in patients of dizziness induced falls (42.9%). Fall acidents were mainly detected by nurses 33%. The frequente sites of fall were the bed rooms (55%), the corridor (15%) or the bath rooms (8%). Types of physical damage were no damage (47%), abrasion or bruising (20%), laceration (10%), bath rooms (8%), fracture (3%), and head trauma (1%). In 532 treatments, observation was recommended for 68%, sterilization 15.2%, suture 4.7%, cast 1%, and surgery 1%.
CONCLUSION
The study finds that the fall risk screening test and Multifactorial Fall Prevention Program should be performed for all high-risk patients of fall. About 20% of falls were associated with otologic dizziness, and otolaryngology doctors should pay attention to the fall problem and the medication related to dizziness, which may potentially increase the risk of falls.

Keyword

Accident prevention; Accidental falls; Dizziness; Education; Risk factors

MeSH Terms

Accident Prevention
Accidental Falls
Aged
Baths
Craniocerebral Trauma
Diagnosis
Dizziness
Education
Human Body
Humans
Incidence
Korea*
Lacerations
Mass Screening
Methods
Motor Activity
Otolaryngology
Risk Factors
Sterilization
Sutures
Tertiary Care Centers*
Walking