Each of the independent risk factors is assigned a specific score. If a factor isn't present, the patient receives a score of 0. The researchers derived the scores from the odds ratios identified in the 2003 study.1 To make scoring simple, the odds ratios, which represented the likelihood of falling as a result of a particular risk factor, were converted to whole numbers, then to risk points. As a result, each item on the scale has its own weight. The patient either has the risk factor or doesn't; when present, the patient is given the number of points for that item. - See more at: http://www.nursingcenter.com/lnc/cearticle?tid=751712#sthash.kg3CCdFm.dpuf