DFRI v.1
Downton Fall Risk Index is an established instrument and includes well-documented risk factors for falls. The risk factors contributes one point each to the total score. Three or more points indicate high risk of falling. Proper attention to existing risk factors and not total score alone is of importance as it provides valuable information to act on in order to decrease fall risk.
To assess and calculate the risk of falling in elderly using the DFRI risk assessment tool.
Use to assess and record the risk of falling in elderly. Downton Fall Risk Index is an established instrument and includes well-documented risk factors for falls. The risk factors contributes one point each to the total score, which ranges from 0-11. Three or more points indicate high risk of falling. - Known previous falls - Medications: sedatives, diuretics, antihypertensive, antiparkinsonian, antidepressants (one point each) - Sensory deficit: visual, hearing and limb impairment (one point each) - Confusion - Unsafe gait (with or without walking aids)
Proper attention to existing risk factors and not total score alone is of importance as it provides valuable information to act on in order to decrease fall risk. The index should be used regularly in order to detect changes in health status affecting fall risk.
Downton JH. Falls in the Elderly. London: Edward Arnold; 1993. p. 128-30. Downton JH, Andrews K. Prevalence, characteristics and factors associated with falls among the elderly living at home. Aging (Milano) 1991;3(3):219–228 Rosendahl E, Lundin-Olsson L, Kallin K, Jensen J, Gustafson Y, Nyberg L. Prediction of falls among older people in residential care facilities by the Downton index. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2003;15(2):142–147.
OBSERVATION.downton_fall_risk_index.v1, EVALUATION.dfri_assessment.v1
