Increased Number of Community-living Older Adults Attending an Emergency Department with Falls and Fractures: North Dublin Experience

Background: The number of attendances to emergency department (ED) due to falls and fractures increases as the population ages. The community-based falls prevention strategy may reduce the number of falls requiring medical attention.

Aim: Our aim was to determine the changes over time in community-living older adults on the number of attendances to an urban ED over a 5 year period.

Methods: Community-living adults aged ≥65 years from a catchment attending with falls and fractures to an ED in 2010 and 2014 were identified through an electronic patient record. The age, gender and patient-related outcome (admit, discharge with and without follow-up, died in department) were collected. Patient-related outcome was compared by age group.

Results: There were 477 and 772 attendances with falls and fractures in 2010 and 2014, respectively. Between 3 and 7% were repeat attendees. Compared with 2010, in 2014, there were more women attendees; the proportion of patients aged ≥80 years were higher, more likely to be admitted and discharged without follow-up. Patients aged 85+ were six times more likely to require admission compared with under 75's.

Conclusion: With the rapidly ageing population in North Dublin, there is an urgent need to prioritise comprehensive assessment and provide a coordinated falls programme when older adults present to ED to reduce the risk of future falls and injuries.