Association between falls and high-risk medication use in hospitalized Asian elderly patients

Aim:   Most studies looking at the relation between medication use and fall among the hospitalized elderly patients, were done in Western countries. So, a study was planned to investigate the role of medications in causing falls in hospitalized Asian elderly patients.
Methods:   Case note review was done for all patients age 65 years and above, who fell at least once during their hospital stay over a 12-month period. Information obtained from the case notes included: (i) demographic information; (ii) Modified Morse Fall scale; (iii) circumstances and time of fall; and (iv) medication use. From the hospital admission database, an age- and sex-matched control group was selected for comparison.
Results:   Over the 12-month study period, 298 patients met the study criteria. Average age of the patients was 75.8 years, 60.4% were male and 84.9% were Chinese. Multivariate analysis showed that fallers had longer lengths of stay and were more likely to have a history of falls. Fallers were also more likely to be taking hypnotics, cough preparations and anti-platelets, but less likely to be taking paracetamol. Fallers were on fewer medications.
Conclusion:   Elderly hospitalized patients on hypnotic drugs, cough preparations and anti-platelets were more likely to fall. Appropriate usage of analgesics, especially paracetamol, to relieve pain may reduce falls.