What is a primary goal of fall risk assessments in hospitals?

The primary goal of fall risk assessments in hospitals is to minimize the likelihood of patient falls. These assessments play a critical role in enhancing patient safety. By systematically evaluating various factors that contribute to fall risk, such as medical history, mobility level, medication effects, and environmental hazards, healthcare providers can identify patients who are at higher risk of falling. This proactive approach allows for the implementation of targeted interventions, such as adjusting medication, enhancing supervision, or modifying the patient’s environment, thereby significantly reducing the chance of falls occurring during a patient's hospital stay.

While improving patient mobility, discharging patients earlier, and tracking staff performance are important aspects of hospital care, they are not the primary aim of fall risk assessments. The primary focus is to create a safer environment for patients, thereby enhancing overall patient care and outcomes.