Preprint · Jan 2026
Fall-Risk Screening Tools for Predicting Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Stroke: A Scoping Review
By Rosley N, Mesbah N, Manaf H et al.
This project presents a scoping review that aims to systematically map and synthesize existing evidence on fall-risk screening tools used among older adults with stroke, with a particular focus on their potential application in future fall prevention strategies. Falls are a major complication following stroke and contribute significantly to morbidity, reduced functional independence, and increased healthcare burden. Despite the availability of multiple fall-risk screening tools, there remains a lack of clarity regarding their suitability, consistency, and applicability specifically for older adult stroke populations. The primary purpose of this review is to identify and categorize fall-risk screening tools that have been used in this population, examine their characteristics (e.g., domains assessed, administration methods, and feasibility), and explore how these tools are utilized within clinical and community settings. Additionally, this review aims to evaluate the outcomes used to determine fall risk and to identify gaps in current screening approaches. This scoping review will follow the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive literature search will be conducted across selected electronic databases for studies published within a defined time frame. Eligible studies will include those involving older adult stroke survivors and reporting the use of fall-risk screening or assessment tools. Data will be charted and presented using descriptive tables and narrative synthesis. The expected outcomes of this review include: (1) a comprehensive mapping of existing fall-risk screening tools for older adult stroke survivors, (2) identification of key characteristics and variations among these tools, (3) recognition of gaps and limitations in current screening practices, and (4) provision of evidence to inform the development of context-specific and clinically applicable fall-risk screening frameworks, particularly for use in community and primary care settings. This work is intended to support clinicians, researchers, and policymakers in improving fall-risk identification and guiding targeted fall prevention strategies for older adults living with stroke.