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Aim
To identify and test the reliability of a fall risk screening tool in an ambulatory outpatient clinic.
Journal of Nursing Management
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Original Article
Testing the reliability of the Fall Risk Screening Tool in an elderly ambulatory population
Abstract
Background
The Fall Risk Screening Tool (Albert Lea Medical Center, MN, USA) was scripted for an interview format.
Method
Two interviewers separately screened a convenience sample of 111 patients (age ≥ 65 years) in an ambulatory outpatient clinic in a northeastern US city.
Result
The interviewers’ scoring of fall risk categories was similar. There was good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.834–0.889) and inter-rater reliability [intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) = 0.824–0.881] for total, Risk Factor and Client's Health Status subscales. The Physical Environment scores indicated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.742) and adequate reliability (ICC = 0.688). Two Physical Environment items (furniture and medical equipment condition) had low reliabilities [Kappa (K) = 0.323, P = 0.08; K = −0.078, P = 0.648), respectively.
Conclusion
The scripted Fall Risk Screening Tool demonstrated good reliability in this sample. Rewording two Physical Environment items will be considered.
Implications for nursing management
A reliable instrument such as the scripted Fall Risk Screening Tool provides a standardised assessment for identifying high fall risk patients. This tool is especially useful because it assesses personal, behavioural and environmental factors specific to community-dwelling patients; the interview format also facilitates patient–provider interaction.