Falls in Hospitalized Children With Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Cross-sectional, Correlational Study. Issue 6 (November 2018) - Craig, Francesco
Abstract: Purpose: The aim of the current study was to investigate in-hospital falls among children with neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions and investigated associated child characteristics. Design: A cross-sectional, correlational study design was used in this study. A total of 446 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 298 were admitted with neurological conditions and 148 with neurodevelopmental conditions. Methods: Intelligent quotient (IQ) was assessed according to age, and the Humpty Dumpty Falls Scale (HDFS) was completed and scored for each participant. Findings: The neurodevelopmental group showed higher HDFS total mean score ( p = .001) compared to the neurological group. We found that fall rates are more frequent ( p = .003) in the neurodevelopmental group (12.9%) compared with the neurological group (5.1%). In addition, we found that, in both groups, HDFS total mean score correlates negatively with children's age, gender and IQ. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The results of this study suggest that the fall prevention programs must be implemented in children with neurodevelopmental conditions, not only in children with neurological conditions.