Citation

Overcash J. Oncol. Nurs. Forum 2007; 34(2): 341-346.

Affiliation

College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA. jovercas@hsc.usf.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Oncology Nursing Society)

DOI

10.1188/07.ONF.341-346

PMID

17573298

Abstract

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine the extent to which falls occur in older adult patients with cancer; to identify how falls relate to depression, age, functional status, and cognition; and to develop a model for predicting falls. DESIGN: Descriptive, prospective, quantitative. SETTING: Patients in the Senior Adult Oncology Program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute. SAMPLE: 165 patients aged 70 years or older with any diagnosis of cancer, treatment type, and stage. METHODS: Data were collected during a one-time interview using a comprehensive geriatric assessment consisting of the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, and a fall assessment. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Falls, functional status, depression, cognition, age, and gender. FINDINGS: IADL scores were found to be a predictor of falls while controlling for age and ADL status. An IADL score of 22 predicts a 21% risk of a fall. Fall risk increases to 81% at an IADL score of 9. CONCLUSIONS: IADL score is a predictor of falls in this older adult population with cancer. ADL scores are not a predictor of falls when IADL is included in the model. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses must play a vital role in conducting fall screening and risk assessments for older adults with cancer.

Language: en