Use of the Tinetti Index to Assess Fall Risk in Patients with Sequelae of Stroke

Zuila Maria de Figueiredo Carvalho^1*, Joyce Miná Albuquerque Coelho¹, Raelly Ramos Campos¹, Deyse Cardoso de Oliveira¹, Winner Gomes Machado¹, Samia Jardelle Costa de Freitas Maniva^1,2

¹Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.
²Fortaleza General Hospital, Fortaleza, Brazil.

DOI: 10.4236/jbise.2014.714106                

Abstract

Background and Objective: The knowledge about risk of falls in patients with sequelae of stroke by applying a scale constitutes an important factor fort nurses since it allows planning for quality care and consequently improves the quality of life of such patients. The present study aimed to assess the risk of falls of patients with sequelae of stroke using Tinetti Index. Methods: Transversal descriptive study with 61 hospitalized patients. The data were collected through the application of Tinetti Index, the total score of which is 28 points. Results: The index evaluation shows que 47.9% had 19 points under the ideal score, indicating a high risk of falls, 41.7% from 24 to 28, indicating moderate risk and 10.4% from 19 to 23 points, indicating low risk of falls. The final average was (15.23), the median (16.50) and standard deviation (±11.034). Conclusions: There is a high risk of falls in this population, a quantification of impaired balance and gait anticipate the future risk of falls. The use of assessment instruments has important implications for improving the quality of life in patients with symptomatic stroke.

Keywords

Tinetti Index, Sequelae of Stroke, Risk of Falls, Nursing

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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