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.