Citation

Haddad YK, Shakya I, Moreland BL, Kakara R, Bergen G. J. Aging Health 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0898264320932045

PMID

32515622

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate frequency and type of older adult fall-related injuries treated in emergency departments (EDs).

METHODS: We used the 2015 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System: All Injury Program. Patient data were abstracted from the narratives describing the circumstance of injury. Data for community-dwelling older adults (n = 34,336) were analyzed to explore differences in injury diagnosis by demographic characteristics, location of fall, and disposition.

RESULTS: 70% of head-related injuries were internal injuries, suggestive of a traumatic brain injury. Most hip injuries were fractures or dislocations (73.3%). Women had higher percentages of fractures/dislocations but lower percentages of internal injuries than men. About a third of fall-related ED visits required hospitalization or transfer.

DISCUSSION: Falls in older adults result in array of injuries and pose a burden on the healthcare system. Understanding how fall injuries vary by different characteristics can help inform targeted prevention strategies.

Language: en

Keywords

elderly; emergency departments; fall injuries; hospitalizations