Citation

Baker DI, Leo-Summers L, Murphy TE, Katz B, Capobianco BA. J. Appl. Gerontol. 2019; 38(7): 999-1010.

Affiliation

VNA Community Healthcare, Guilford, CT, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0733464817721113

PMID

28737101

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.

Language: en

Keywords

fall prevention; health care costs; state policy