Intervention to Prevent Falls: Community-Based Clinics

J Appl Gerontol. 2019 Jul;38(7):999-1010. doi: 10.1177/0733464817721113. Epub 2017 Jul 22.

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.

Keywords: fall prevention; health care costs; state policy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data
  • Accidents, Home / prevention & control*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Community Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Health Care Costs
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Independent Living*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Report