FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FALLS IN HOSPITALIZED ADULTS AND OLDER ADULTS IN THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD: INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on risk factors and damage resulting from falls in adults and elderly people in the postoperative period. Material and Method: Integrative review conducted from April to May 2021 in the SciELO, LILACS, PubMed/MEDLINE, PubMed Central, Scopus, CINAHL databases. Included were primary studies without delineation of time and language that addressed risk factors and/or harm from falls in postoperative hospitalized adults and older adults. The selection and analysis of the studies was performed by two independent researchers. Results: The search retrieved 1626 publications, of which 10 comprised the final sample. Advanced age, history of falls, changes in physical condition, presence of comorbidities and use of pharmacological agents were the prevalent risk factors for postoperative falls. Regarding injuries, hematomas, fractures and wounds stood out as predominant. Conclusion: Risk factors and harm associated with falls were recurrent in postoperative patients, contributing to increased patient deterioration in surgical recovery.