Older Patients’ Self-Reported Recognition of Receiving Fall-Prevention Instructions from Nurses: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Despite recommendations that all hospitalized older adults receive tailored fall-prevention education, studies suggest that many patients at risk of falling do not receive such education. Furthermore, some patients may not recognize having received fall-prevention instructions, potentially limiting their effectiveness. This study examined the proportion of older patients who recognized that they had received fall-prevention instructions from nurses and examined the characteristics associated with this perception. Methods: A nationwide online survey was conducted among Japanese adults aged ≥ 60 years who were currently hospitalized or had been discharged within the previous year. Participants reported their fall-risk factors and whether they had received fall-prevention instructions from nurses. Latent class analysis identified two fall-risk profile groups, and logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with reported receipt of these instructions. Results: Among 3608 participants, more than 40% reported not receiving fall-prevention instructions. After excluding 395 participants without identified fall-risk factors, fall-risk profile and age were associated with reported receipt of instructions. Participants with mobility impairment and other risk factors more frequently reported receiving instructions than those with other risk factors but no mobility impairment (90.79% vs. 47.73%). Conclusions: Whether participants’ reports of not receiving instructions reflect a lack of provision or poor recall remains unclear. In either case, not recognizing or receiving fall-prevention instructions may increase fall risk by limiting patients’ ability to implement preventive behaviors. Enhancing nurses’ awareness of fall-risk profiles and providing consistent patient education may improve recognition of fall-prevention instructions and support fall prevention in hospital settings.