Longitudinal study of the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool in identifying older people at increased risk of falls

Aim: To evaluate the predictive validity and responsiveness of the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool (HOME FAST). Methods: A prospective study of 727 community dwelling Veterans and war widows aged 70 years and over. The outcome was 6-month recall of any fall at 3-year follow-up. Baseline measurements were taken of common falls risk factors, and home hazards (using the HOME FAST). Changes in the prevalence of HOME FAST items were calculated and a logistic regression model was computed to determine predictors of falls at follow-up. Results: Prevalence of 14 HOME FAST items was significantly reduced from baseline to follow-up (P < 0.05). Falls were significantly related to the baseline HOME FAST score (odds ratio (OR) 1.016, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.004-1.098, P = 0.006), and a reduction in home hazards at follow-up (OR 0.984, 95% CI 0.973-0.996, P = 0.02). Conclusion: The HOME FAST can predict falls in older people and is responsive to change.