3H: Morse Fall Scale for Identifying Fall Risk Factors
Background: This tool can be used to identify risk factors for falls in hospitalized patients. The
total score may be used to predict future falls, but it is more important to identify risk factors
using the scale and then plan care to address those risk factors.
Reference: Adapted from Morse JM, Morse RM, Tylko SJ. Development of a scale to identify
the fall-prone patient. Can J Aging 1989;8:366-7. Reprinted with the permission of Cambridge
University Press.
How to use this tool: A training module on proper use of the Morse Fall Scale developed by the
Partners HealthCare Fall Prevention Task Force may be found at
www.brighamandwomens.org/Patients_Visitors/pcs/nursing/nursinged/Medical/FALLS/Fall_TI
PS_Toolkit_MFS%20Training%20Module.pdf. In addition to completion of the module, training
should include real cases where the provider conducts an assessment. Mental status and gait
parameters require actual assessment of a real patient (as opposed to solely a chart review).
This tool can be used by staff nurses. Use this tool in conjunction with clinical assessment and a
review of medications (see Tool 3I) to determine if a patient is at risk for falls and plan care
accordingly. Note that this scale may not capture the risk factors that are most important on your
hospital ward, so consider your local circumstances.
Register through Partners HealthCare at
www.brighamandwomens.org/Patients_Visitors/pcs/nursing/nursinged/Medical/FALLS/Permissi
ons/PHS%20MFS%20Competency.pdf prior to use.
If your hospital uses an electronic health record, consult your hospital’s information systems
staff about integrating this tool into the electronic health record.
