Temporal Patterns of Patient Falls in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility

Falls are a significant safety concern in inpatient rehabilitation facilities, where patients often face increased risk due to functional impairments. This retrospective study examined fall trends across days after admission and daily 2-hr intervals within a single rehabilitation hospital. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant decline in fall rates over time, suggesting a decrease in fall risk as patients acclimate and improve physically. However, two peak periods for falls were identified during early morning and evening hours, aligning with heightened patient activity and staff shift changes. These findings emphasize the need for targeted fall prevention strategies during the initial days after admission and specific high-risk times of the day. Implementing tailored interventions for these critical periods may reduce fall incidents and enhance patient safety in rehabilitation settings.