Abstract: Objective: To compare the applicability of Chinese version of Morse Fall Scale and Hendrich II Fall Risk Model in elderly inpatients. Methods: Convenience sampling method was performed. Totally 341 elderly inpatients were included. Chinese version of Morse Fall Scale and Hendrich II Fall Risk Model were applied to assess the elderly inpatients. The nurses' understanding and acceptance of the two scales were assessed by self-designed questionnaire. Results: Totally 16(4.7%) falls occurred. For Morse Fall Scale, the high-risk screening rate was 73.9%, high risk falling rate was 4.8%, sensitivity was 75.0% and specificity was 26.2%. For Hendrich II Fall Risk Model, the high risk screening rate was 35.8%, high risk falling rate was 11.5%, sensitivity rate was 87.5% and specificity was 66.8%. There was significant difference in high risk screening rates between the two scales (P<0.001). 66.1% nurses claimed that the assessment process of Hendrich II was easier to understand and its items were clearer than the Morse Fall Scale. Conclusion: Hendrich II Fall Risk Model shows high prediction validity and high acceptance by nurses, and it is suitable for fall risk assessment in elderly inpatients.

Key words: Chinese version of Morse Fall Scale; Chinese version of Hendrich II Fall Risk Model; elderly inpatients; fall risk assessment