Association of preop falls with functional dependence, quality of life

Editor's Note

Preoperative falls may be common and often injurious in surgical patients across all ages, and they are associated with preoperative functional dependence and quality of life, this study finds. The study included 15,060 adult patients undergoing elective surgery.

In the 6 months before surgery, 26% fell at least once, and 12% fell at least twice. The proportion of those who fell was highest in neurosurgery patients (41%). At least one injury occurred in 58% of those who fell. Falls were common in all age groups, and did not increase with age.

Falls within 6 months of surgery was independently associated with preoperative functional dependence and poor physical quality of life.

Abstract Background: No study has rigorously explored the characteristics of surgical patients with recent preoperative falls. Our objective was to describe the essential features of preoperative falls and determine whether they are associated with preoperative functional dependence and poor quality of life. Methods: ...