Clinical Evaluation

Clinical Evaluation – Detailed Fall History

  • Where did you fall?
  • Time of day?
  • What were you doing?
  • Carrying anything?
  • How were you feeling?
  • What were you wearing? eg, clothing and footwear
  • Seek medical attention; any injuries?
  • Recent illness?
  • Did you lose consciousness?
  • Any witnesses?
  • Using assistive device? eg, cane, walker (type?)
  • New or recent changes in medications? Rx and OTC
  • Social history/Living environment
  • Diet, hydration, alcohol intake, illicit drug use
  • Do you have a PCP?

NOTE

Post-ED care in the falls clinic will include a detailed fall(s) multifactorial fall history assessment. Several questions may be confirming what was addressed in the emergency department evaluation.

Abbreviations

OTC, over-the-counter (medications)

PCP, primary care provider

Rx, prescription medications

ED, emergency department