B. Fiola-Johnson1, J. Cann1, L. Elder1, A. Morrissette2, M. Richmond2, R. Nasser2
1College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; 2Saskatchewan Health Authority, Regina, Saskatchewan

Patient falls in hospital can result in serious consequences. Poor nutrition status may contribute to an increased risk of falling. Up to 1 in 2 patients admitted to hospital are malnourished.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between malnutrition, poor intake, and falls within the Pasqua hospital.

A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who had fallen on 3 medicine units at the Pasqua Hospital in 2022. A data collection tool was developed to review the following variables: age, sex, weight history prior to admittance, diagnosis, medical history, Subjective Global Assessment(SGA), number of medications taken, and food intake and diet order on day of fall and 3 days prior.

Sixty charts were reviewed. The average age of patients who had fallen in hospital was 74 years old. At admittance, 41% (n=25/60) of participants reported weight loss. The most common diagnoses were related to mobility (n=19/60). Twenty-four of 39 of participants had an SGA score of 5% (n=2/39) were rated SGA-C, 56% (n=22/39) SGA-B. Of the patients, 58 out 60 patients were on 3 or more medications with an average of 10 medications. Average intake over 3 days was 72% and average intake on the day of patients’ falls was 66%. The majority were (n=35/60) were receiving a diet as tolerated on the day of their fall and 3 days prior.

The results of this study suggest that patients who fell were eating more than 50% before and on the day of the fall, although a majority were malnourished.

This study highlights that patients who fell were malnourished. Registered Dietitians should continue to advocate for proper nutrition in the community and hospital.

No funding