Fall risk assessment and injury prevention in the Mohs surgery clinic: a review of the literature and recommendations for improving patient safety

Patient falls remain a major cause of adverse events in the medical setting. Many patients receiving Mohs micrographic surgery are at high risk, both for falling and resultant injuries. Although the incidence of patient falls in dermatologic surgery is low, falls can have significant consequences for both patient and provider. Therefore, effective interventions to improve organizational safety are critical. Though there is a considerable amount of research pertaining to fall prevention strategies, the majority of studies have been confined to the inpatient setting and long-term care facilities. Implementation of fall prevention initiatives in the outpatient setting has rarely been evaluated and no studies have focused on the Mohs patient population to date. Methods: We reviewed the literature pertaining to fall risk and prevention guidelines in the inpatient and outpatient settings as it applies to the dermatologic surgery environment. Results: Herein we will discuss patient risk factors for falling relevant to the Mohs setting and review existing validated fall risk assessment tools and strategies for fall prevention. Conclusion: Identifying fall risk factors can improve patient safety and reduce falls in the dermatologic surgery clinic