Intervention to Prevent Falls: Community-Based Clinics

Overview

Journal J Appl Gerontol

Specialties Geriatrics
Infectious Diseases

Date 2017 Jul 25

PMID 28737101

Citations 1

Authors

Dorothy I Baker

Linda Leo-Summers

Terrence E Murphy

Barbara Katz

Beth A Capobianco

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document results of State funded fall prevention clinics on rates of self-reported falls and fall-related use of health services.

Methods: Older adults participated in community-based fall prevention clinics providing individual assessments, interventions, and referrals to collaborating community providers. A pre-post design compares self-reported 6-month fall history and fall-related use of health care before and after clinic attendance.

Results: Participants ( N = 751) were predominantly female (82%) averaging 81 years of age reporting vision (75%) and mobility (57%) difficulties. Assessments revealed polypharmacy (54%), moderate- to high-risk mobility issues (39%), and postural hypotension (10%). Self-reported preclinic fall rates were 256/751(34%) and postclinic rates were 81/751 (10.8%), ( p = .0001). Reported use of fall-related health services, including hospitalization, was also significantly lower after intervention.

Implications: Evidence-based assessments, risk-reducing recommendations, and referrals that include convenient exercise opportunities may reduce falls and utilization of health care services. Estimates regarding health care spending and policy are presented.

Citing Articles

Can Fall Risk Screening and Fall Prevention Advice in Hospital Settings Motivate Older Adult Patients to Take Action to Reduce Fall Risk?.

Barmentloo L, Erasmus V, Olij B, Haagsma J, Mackenbach J, Oudshoorn C J Appl Gerontol. 2021; 40(11):1492-1501.

PMID: 33797280 PMC: 8564248. DOI: 10.1177/07334648211004037.

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