Falls in a psychiatric institution in Beijing, China

Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2009 Jul;45(3):183-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-6163.2009.00220.x.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the rate of falls and their relationship with sociodemographic and clinical factors in a psychiatric institution in Beijing, China.

Design and methods: The case notes of 7,921 inpatients were scrutinized to identify patients who fell while in the hospital.

Findings: The fall rate in this study was 1.2% of all inpatients. Nearly all (89.7%) falls occurred when patients attempted to stand up, get out of bed, or walk.

Practice implications: Effective measures should be provided to prevent falls in psychiatric wards. A prospective study exploring predictors of falls is warranted.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control
  • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data*
  • Aged
  • China
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy
  • Female
  • Hospitals, Psychiatric / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Length of Stay / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / classification
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders / nursing*
  • Middle Aged
  • Postural Balance
  • Psychotropic Drugs / adverse effects
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk Management
  • Safety Management
  • Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / nursing
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs