Comparison of Interviews and Review of Patient Chart in Evaluating Falls Among Geriatric Patients

This study compared the reliability of interviewing and reviewing medical records to determine falls experienced by elderly patient admitted to a geriatric hospital. Subjects were 130 consecutive patients (mean age 76 years) who received physical therapy. They were divided into two different age groups: those aged below 75 years and those aged 75 years and over. In reviewing medical records, it was difficult for researchers to find out about falls based on information by patients and families, if no injury occurred. This tendency remarkable in patients aged below 75 years. Because of it, the rate of falls was significantly lower and that of injuries was higher than in the interviews. We conclude that review of medical records involves problems concerning the accuracy of information about falls. Hip fractures due to falls were seen only in patients aged 75 years and over, so we recognized that it is important to prevent falls especially in this group.