Development and validation of the comprehensive falls risk screening instrument

Annually, one in three older adults experiences a fall. Falls can lead to death, disability, and/or decreased health-related quality of life (HRQL). Objectives: To validate the Comprehensive Falls Risk Screening Instrument (CFRSI). Methods: Data were collected on 286 older adults (M age in years 74.2 ± 10.0). The CFRSI total falls risk score was compared to subscale scores, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), the Functional Status Index (FSI), and HRQL (SF-36, PCS, and Mental Component Summary (MCS)) scores. Results: The total CFRSI falls risk score was associated with all subscales (r 0.25, p < 0.01 to r 0.69, p < 0.01), PASE (r -0.30, p < 0.01), FSI (r 0.30, p < 0.01), and SF-36 PCS and MCS scores (r -0.44, p < 0.01 to r -0.24, p 0.03, respectively). Fallers (n 90) had a higher total falls risk score (M 41.03 ± 9.38) than nonfallers (n 188, M 34.06 ± 10.05, t 276 5.53, p < 0.001). The most important predictor of falling status was only the history risk score (r 0.96). Strong association of variables supports the construct validation of the CFRSI. The CFRSI is a valid comprehensive measure of falls risk that allows for identification of older adults who are at risk for falls and the specific areas that should be targeted for falls prevention.