PD1029 - MALNUTRITION RISK AND IN-HOSPITAL FALLS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

PD1029

MALNUTRITION RISK AND IN-HOSPITAL FALLS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

K. R. HÁKONARDÓTTIR^1,*, O. G. Geirsdottir², B. Baldursdottir³

¹Department of Nutrition, Landspitali University Hospital, ²Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University og Iceland, ³Hospital Fall Prevention Comitteee, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland

Rationale: In-hospital falls are a significant safety concern worldwide, particularly among individuals aged 65 years and older. The interplay between malnutrition and fall risk in this population remains insufficiently explored. This study examines the relationship between in-hospital falls and the risk of malnutrition among elderly inpatients. 

Methods: This retrospective cohort study analysed data from 429 inpatients aged 65 years or older who experienced a fall at Landspítali University Hospital in 2023. Using a standardised screening tool for nutritional status, patients were categorised into three groups based on their risk of malnutrition: low, moderate, and severe. 

Results: Among the studied cohort, 71% of patients were identified as being at risk of malnutrition. Overall, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in fall frequency, hospital admission rates, fall-related injuries, or length of hospital stay among the three groups based on malnutrition risk. Patients at severe risk of malnutrition exhibited higher rates of disorientation (OR 0.42, p 0.004) and increased in-hospital mortality (OR 0.24, p 0.008). Among patients who sustained a hip fracture, 72.7% were at severe risk of malnutrition. Conversely, those at low risk of malnutrition were more likely to be discharged home (OR 2.93, p<.001). 

Conclusion: The findings suggest that severe malnutrition is a significant risk factor for adverse outcomes following in-hospital falls, including hip fractures and increased mortality rates. In contrast, patients at low risk of malnutrition are more likely to favourable outcome, indicating the need for proactive nutritional assessment and interventions to improve patient outcomes in elderly inpatients.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared