Patient perceptions and experiences with falls during hospitalization and after discharge.

Aims: The aim of this study was to describe hospitalized older adults' (> 60years) perceptions about (1) their fall risks while hospitalized; (2) fall prevention interventions received while hospitalized; and (3) fall prevention discharge instructions.

Background: Little is known about hospitalized older adults' perceptions regarding fall prevention interventions received during hospitalization and fall prevention discharge instructions.

Methods: This is a prospective, exploratory study using qualitative methods.

Results: This paper reports qualitative findings of patients' perspectives on fall prevention interventions during hospitalization and at discharge. Eight major themes supported by multiple minor themes emerged: overall perceptions of falling; overall perceptions of fall prevention interventions while hospitalized; "telling" fall prevention; "doing" fall prevention; effectiveness of fall prevention strategies; personal fall prevention strategies; fall-related discharge instructions; and most effective fall-related discharge instructions.

Conclusions: Findings suggest healthcare providers need to more fully engage patients and families in understanding fall prevention interventions and factors contributing to falls during hospitalization and at discharge.