How to Score a Multi-Factor Falls Questionnaire

The Multi-Factor Falls Questionnaire, which is a follow-up questionnaire to the Elderly Falls Screening Test and the Timed Up and Go Test, helps health care providers to determine whether a person is at high or low risk for having a fall. Scoring of the test is nonnumerical, unlike the EFST and the TUG, and identifies the 10 specific risk factors that can predict a future fall in order to correct the problems. The Multi-Factor Falls Questionnaire should be given to anyone that receives higher than a 14 on the TUG or higher than a 2 on the EFST, according to the Saskatoon Health Region Injury Prevention Service.

Things You'll Need

• Documentation on home safety, senior exercise, physical therapy, Alzheimer’s, mobility aids and risk factors in falling.

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Instructions

• 1

  Change the wording on any questions that the patient doesn’t understand.

• 2

  Note in the patient’s file any statement with a yes response in order to establish background information on the patient.

• 3

  Follow up on any unresolved issues indicated by the answers in the general section and discuss any yes answers more in-depth with the patient.

• 4

  Go through each section with the patient, discussing any yes answers and addressing each issue.

• 5

  Refer the patient to a general physician for any yes answers needing general follow-up.

• 6

  Refer the patient to an ophthalmologist or optometrist if he indicates any vision problems.

• 7

  Refer the patient to a general physician for diabetes testing if he is having decreased feeling, numbness, or tingling in the feet, and give the patient information on diabetes.

• 8

  Discuss foot problems and shoes with the patient if he indicates that he has unsure footing or trouble on certain terrain. Refer the patient to a podiatrist, if need be, or to a physical therapist if walking aids might be needed.

• 9

  Discuss the risk factors of taking certain medications, of mixing certain medications and also drinking alcoholic beverages alone or in combination with certain medicines.

• 10

  Ensure that the patient has his medication under control.

• 11

  Refer the patient to a pharmacist if changes in medication have made the patient feel dizzy or unsteady.

• 12

  Refer the patient to naturopathic physician if he indicates that he is taking herbal or natural products to improve his health.

• 13

  Recommend in-home services such as cleaning and cooking or an exercise consultant specialized in the needs of a person with physical limitations.

• 14

  Refer the patient to a general physician for neurological testing and assessment if he indicates he is experiencing memory loss.

• 15

  Discuss memory loss and Alzheimer’s with the patient and his family, directing him toward support programs and educating him on safety.

• 16

  Educate the patient about home safety if he indicates that he has had several falls at home or if he asks for a safety check of his home.

• 17

  Set up a home safety check.

• 18

  Refer the patient to an occupational therapist for an assessment and help with regular falls.

• 19

  Refer the patient to a physical therapist if he indicates problems with mobility, balance or weakness.

• 20

  Educate the patient on mobility aids and their proper use. Refer the patient to a specialized exercise program for seniors, and discuss pain management methods for any pain or joint problems.

• 21

  Determine how many different of the ten risk categories the patient had yes answers for in order to determine if the patient is at high risk for falls. Moderate risk would be up to three risk factors or up to the need for two referrals. High risk would be anything beyond three risk factors, especially risk factors I-V. High risk could also describe anyone needing at least one referral and needing help with transportation to the appointment, needing support during the appointment and needing help with questionnaire comprehension.

• 22

  Refer the patient to a falls clinic if he is determined to be at high risk.