When should a fall risk assessment be conducted for patients?

A fall risk assessment is crucial for ensuring patient safety and should be conducted at admission and with any significant changes in the patient's condition. This approach allows healthcare providers to identify patients who may be at a higher risk of falling due to various factors such as their health status, medications, mobility, or cognitive function. By conducting the assessment upon admission, staff can implement appropriate interventions early on, reducing the likelihood of falls during the patient's stay. Furthermore, repeated assessments should occur when there are changes in the patient's condition, as these changes can impact their mobility or stability, thus increasing their risk of falls.

Conducting assessments only at discharge, once a year, or in response to patient requests would not provide a proactive approach to fall prevention, potentially leading to preventable falls and injuries within the healthcare setting. Regular and timely assessments are essential components of a comprehensive care plan, enhancing patient safety and overall care quality.