Risks and suggestions to prevent falls in geriatric rehabilitation: a participatory approach.

Objective: The objective of this study was to establish the rates and to gather information from patients, staff and family members on risks and potential measures to prevent patient falls on geriatric rehabilitation units in a hospital.

Methods: The falls recorded in the geriatric rehabilitation units between January 2006 and December 2008 were reviewed to establish their rates (falls/1000 patient days) and locations. Twenty-eight interviews with ten patients, twelve staff and six family members were conducted in one of the units.