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Morse fall scale calculator

Calculate the six-item Morse fall scale with a points table. Use local policy to interpret fall risk and choose prevention measures.

Calculator

Total score
0
Points by item
ItemPoints
Falling during admission or immediate prior history0
At least two charted medical diagnoses0
Ambulatory support0
Intravenous access or heparin lock0
Gait or transfer assessment0
Awareness of ability0

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How this calculator works

The original six-item scale combines fall history, multiple diagnoses, support, intravenous access, gait and awareness of limitations. A trained clinician should distinguish weak gait from impaired gait using the full instrument. Maximum score is 125. Institutions use different cut-offs, so this tool deliberately reports the score without assigning a universal category. A low total does not remove the need for clinical judgement or falls prevention. The result is an estimate for information only and is not medical advice.

Formula

MFS = history (0/25) + diagnoses (0/15) + aid (0/15/30) + IV (0/20) + gait (0/10/20) + awareness (0/15).

Worked example

A previous fall (25), walker (15) and IV access (20), with other items zero, gives 60.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use the number on its own?

No. A trained assessor must apply the referenced definitions and interpret the complete assessment.

Does a zero mean that nothing is wrong?

No. It means no points under this particular instrument, which covers only its listed domains.

Can I compare different versions?

Only with care. Changing item definitions or weights can change what a score means.

Sources

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