Fall Risk Assessment Score Calculator
Estimates fall risk using the Morse Fall Scale (MFS), a validated clinical tool assessing six risk factors to categorize patients as low, medium, or high fall risk.
Formula
Morse Fall Scale (MFS) Total Score = sum of six subscale scores:
| Factor | Scale | Points |
|---|---|---|
| History of Falling | No / Yes | 0 / 25 |
| Secondary Diagnosis | No / Yes | 0 / 15 |
| Ambulatory Aid | None / Crutches-Cane-Walker / Furniture | 0 / 15 / 30 |
| IV / Heparin Lock | No / Yes | 0 / 20 |
| Gait / Transferring | Normal / Weak / Impaired | 0 / 10 / 20 |
| Mental Status | Oriented / Overestimates ability | 0 / 15 |
Risk Stratification:
- Low Risk: MFS < 25 — Standard safety precautions
- Medium Risk: MFS 25–44 — Standard fall prevention interventions
- High Risk: MFS ≥ 45 — High-risk fall prevention protocol
Maximum possible score: 125 points.
Assumptions & References
- Based on the Morse Fall Scale (MFS), developed by Janice M. Morse (1989), one of the most widely used and validated fall risk assessment tools in acute care settings.
- Risk thresholds (Low <25, Medium 25–44, High ≥45) follow the original Morse publication and subsequent validation studies.
- The scale has demonstrated sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 83% in acute care populations.
- "History of Falling" includes falls within the past 3 months or an immediate fall (e.g., patient fell while being admitted).
- "Impaired gait" refers to difficulty rising from chair, head down, eyes on floor, shuffling, short steps, or grabbing furniture for support.
- "Weak gait" refers to stooped but able to lift head while walking, may need light touch of furniture for support.
- This calculator is intended as a clinical decision support tool and does not replace professional nursing or medical assessment.
- Reference: Morse JM, Morse RM, Tylko SJ. Development of a scale to identify the fall-prone patient. Canadian Journal on Aging. 1989;8(4):366–377.
- Reference: Morse JM. Preventing Patient Falls. Sage Publications; 1997.