“From the moment I started standing again, I was worried about falls”: fear of falling in intensive care unit survivors over 12 months

Abstract

Rationale: Post–intensive care syndrome is a significant challenge for survivors of critical illness. However, little is understood about fear of falls and the concern for falls. Objective: This study sought to quantify the prevalence of fear of falls within the first year after hospital discharge and identify factors associated with high fear of falls. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, fear of falls was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale International short-form questionnaire with participants dichotomized into low/moderate (7-12) and high (13-28) fear of falls. Persistence was defined as high fear of falls across at least 2 assessment time points. Data were also collected on ph..