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Extent of the problem in healthcare settings

Falls are a common cause of morbidity and the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and trauma-related hospitalizations in the United States. Falls occur in all types of healthcare institutions and to all patient populations. In hospitals, falls consistently make up the largest single category of reported incidents. Nearly half of all residents in nursing homes fall each year, with many sustaining fractures.

Fall-related injuries recently accounted for
6% of all medical expenditures
for people age 65 and older in the US.
(See Rubenstein LZ in Annotated bibliography)

The morbidity, mortality and financial burdens attributed to patient falls in hospitals and other healthcare settings are among the most serious risk management issues facing the healthcare industry.

For the patient or resident, consequences include, but are not limited to,

The CDC quantifies the seriousness of the fall problem and provides additional fact sheets on this topic:

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