What type of medical history questions are included in the HDS?

The Hester Davis Scale (HDS) is specifically designed to assess fall risk among patients, and as such, it focuses on identifying factors that directly influence an individual's likelihood of falling. Questions regarding chronic illnesses and prior fall history are critical as they provide insights into the patient's overall health status and previous experiences with falls. Chronic illnesses can impact balance, strength, and mobility, all of which are important in determining an individual's fall risk. Additionally, understanding a patient’s history of falls can highlight specific risks and help tailor prevention strategies effectively.

In contrast, inquiries about family history of diseases, employment history, or vaccination records are not directly relevant to assessing fall risk. Family history may provide background on genetic predispositions to certain conditions but does not give immediate information about the individual's current fall risk. Employment history may reflect physical activity but lacks direct correlation to immediate health and fall risk. Vaccination records, while relevant to overall health, do not inform about conditions that affect balance or mobility. Therefore, focusing on chronic illnesses and prior falls provides the most pertinent information for evaluating a patient's risk of falling.