Investigating the sensitivity of "fall risk scales" used frequently in the elderly people

This study was designed elderly people, who were residing in rest homes in order to determine the sensitivity of Morse, Hendrich II and DENN "risk to fall scales". This research was carried out with 159 elderly people (65 years old and above and non-bedridden) who were residing in a rest home in Turkey between 15 February and 15 June 2014 and accepted to participate in research. In the collection of study data "Introductory Characteristics Form", Morse, Hendrich II and DENN "Risk to Fall Scales" were used. The data by researcher obtained from with consultation elderly people and nurse registration form. The data obtained from conversation elderly people and nurse registered on observation form by researcher. First day individuals included in the scope of research completed "Introductory Characteristics Form", Morse, Hendrich II and DENN "Risk to Fall Scales" and the scores they obtained from "Risk to Fall Scales" were recorded daily for 60 days. Also, during this process their falling status was evaluated and registered on observation form. Assessment of the data obtained from research was performed by using SPSS program (Statistical Package for Social Sciences /18.0 for Windows). During evaluation of data percentage and ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) analysis was used. Of the individuals participated in research 59.7 % were women and their mean age was 76.38 ± 7.97 years. Falling was seen in 59 of the 159 individuals observed. It was established that 82.4 % of individuals had some sort of visual problem, 46.5 % had some sort of hearing problem and 47.8 % had used an auxiliary device to walk. It was observed that 94.3 % of the individuals had at least one of the chronic diseases. Individuals' mean total scores from "DENN risk for fall assessment scale" was 13.58 ± 7.71 (Min-Max; 0-31) and at the same time sensitivity and specificity was high and cut-off point was found to be 14. The mean total scores from "Morse Falling Scale" was 44.23 ± 26.86 (Min-Max; 0-105) and at the same time sensitivity and specificity was high and cut-off point was found to be 45. The mean total scores from "Hendrich II Risk for Fall Scale" was 6.43 ± 3.63 (Min-Max; 0-14) and at the same time sensitivity and specificity was high and cut-off point was found to be 5. The Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictiveve Negative Predictive Values were respectively 92.16 %, 51.85 %, 47.47 % and 93.33 % in "DENN Risk to Fall Evaluation Scale"; 64.71 %, 77.78 %, 57.89 % and 82.35 % in "Morse Risk to Fall Scale"; 80.39 %, 43.52 %, 40.20 % and 82.46 % in "Hendrich II Risk to Fall Scale". According to the results obtained from research, "DENN Risk to Fall Evaluation Scale" which has the highest sensitivity and specificity is the best scale in terms of cut-off points recommended by scale owners. Accordingly, "DENN Risk to Fall Evaluation Scale" may provide more correct results in identifying the risk of fall for those individuals especially residing in elderly rest homes and therefore, primarily use of this scale in rest homes is recommended. Keywords: Old Age, Fall Risk, Sensitivity.