Validation and inter-rater reliability of a three item falls risk screening tool

Abstract

Background: Falls screening tools are routinely used in hospital settings and the psychometric properties of tools should be examined in the setting in which they are used. The aim of this study was to explore the concurrent and predictive validity of the Austin Health Falls Risk Screening Tool (AHFRST), compared with The Northern Hospital Modified St Thomas's Risk Assessment Tool (TNH-STRATIFY), and the inter-rater reliability of the AHFRST. Methods: A research physiotherapist used the AHFRST and TNH-STRATIFY to classify 130 participants admitted to Austin Health (five acute wards, n = 115 two subacute wards n = 15; median length of stay 6 days IQR 3-12) as 'High' or 'Low' falls risk. The A..