Which tool is associated with the 'Falls' protocol for assessing patient risk?

The 'Falls' protocol is specifically designed to assess the risk of falls among patients, particularly in healthcare settings where patients may have physical limitations, cognitive impairments, or other factors that increase their vulnerability to falling. The Bedside Schmid Tool is a widely used instrument in this context, enabling healthcare providers to evaluate multiple risk factors that can contribute to potential falls.

This tool typically includes assessments of balance, mobility, and strength, as well as environmental factors, which are crucial in identifying patients at a higher risk for falls. Proper application of the Bedside Schmid Tool allows for the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing the likelihood of falls, ultimately enhancing patient safety and care outcomes.

Other options, such as the Mini Mental State Examination, Braden Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale, serve different purposes in patient assessment. The Mini Mental State Examination focuses on cognitive function, the Braden Scale assesses skin integrity and the risk of pressure ulcers, and the Geriatric Depression Scale is used to evaluate the level of depression in older adults. While each of these tools is valuable in its own right, they do not specifically address fall risk in the way that the Bedside Schmid Tool does.