Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in healthcare settings, particularly among elderly patients and those with mobility issues. Preventing falls is a critical component of patient care, and the Morse Fall Risk Assessment Tool is a widely used method to assess a patient’s risk of falling. This simple yet effective tool helps healthcare providers identify high-risk individuals and implement strategies to reduce the likelihood of falls.
What Is the Morse Fall Risk Assessment Tool?
The Morse Fall Risk Assessment Tool is a scoring system used in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings to evaluate a patient’s likelihood of experiencing a fall. Developed by Janice Morse, this tool is designed to be quick and straightforward, allowing healthcare professionals to assess fall risk during initial evaluations and throughout a patient’s stay.
The tool consists of six categories, each assigned a score based on specific criteria. The total score helps classify patients into low, moderate, or high fall-risk groups.
The Six Categories of the Morse Fall Risk Assessment Tool
- History of Falling
- If the patient has fallen within the past three months, they are assigned a score of 25.
- No recent falls score 0.
- Secondary Diagnosis
- Patients with more than one medical diagnosis receive a score of 15.
- Those with a single diagnosis score 0.
- Ambulatory Aid
- The type of aid a patient uses impacts their score:
- Furniture or none: 0
- Crutches, cane, or walker: 15
- Wheelchair or clutching furniture: 30
- The type of aid a patient uses impacts their score:
- IV/Heparin Lock
- If a patient has an IV or a heparin lock in place, they score 20.
- Without these, they score 0.
- Gait/Transferring
- A patient’s gait (walking style) determines this score:
- Normal gait: 0
- Weak gait: 10
- Impaired gait: 20
- A patient’s gait (walking style) determines this score:
- Mental Status
- If the patient overestimates their abilities or forgets limitations, they score 15.
- Otherwise, the score is 0.
Interpreting the Morse Fall Risk Score
The total score is calculated by summing the values from the six categories. Based on the total, patients are classified into the following risk levels:
- 0–24: Low Risk
- 25–44: Moderate Risk
- 45 and Above: High Risk
This classification helps healthcare teams prioritize interventions for patients at greater risk.
Benefits of Using the Morse Fall Risk Assessment Tool
- Efficiency- The tool is quick to administer, making it ideal for busy healthcare environments.
- Evidence-Based- Its design is based on data and research, ensuring reliability in predicting fall risks.
- Customizable Care Plans- Scores guide healthcare providers in creating individualized fall prevention strategies, such as assigning closer supervision or providing additional assistive devices.
- Improved Patient Outcomes- By identifying high-risk patients early, the tool helps reduce falls, minimize injuries, and enhance patient safety.
Fall Prevention Strategies Based on Risk Level
Once a patient’s risk level is determined, specific prevention measures can be implemented:
- Low Risk: Regular safety checks, ensuring a clutter-free environment.
- Moderate Risk: Non-slip footwear, scheduled assistance for mobility, and closer monitoring.
- High Risk: Bed alarms, 24-hour supervision, and frequent reassessments.
The Morse Fall Risk Assessment Tool is an invaluable resource in promoting patient safety and preventing falls. Offering a clear, evidence-based method to evaluate fall risk, empowers healthcare professionals to provide proactive, targeted care. With proper implementation and consistent use, the tool contributes to better patient outcomes and a safer healthcare environment.