SHM's Clinical Quick Talks-Approach to Falls

Pdf Summary

Falls are a common occurrence among individuals over the age of 65 and are a leading cause of injury-related disability and mortality worldwide. The cost associated with non-fatal fall injuries is significant, with $50 billion spent annually on medical expenditures. The incidence of falls and related injuries is expected to rise as the population of older adults continues to grow.<br /><br />There are intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors that contribute to falls. Intrinsic factors include age, medication use, acute and chronic health conditions. Extrinsic factors include environmental hazards, substance use, and improper use of assistive devices.<br /><br />When assessing a patient who has experienced a fall, it is important to gather information about the timing, witnesses, events leading up to and following the fall, and any warning signs or symptoms experienced. Common injuries that may occur after a fall include hip fractures, cranial injuries, spinal or back injuries, dislocated shoulders, and ankle or knee injuries.<br /><br />There are screening tools available to assess a patient's risk of falling, such as the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) and the "Get Up and Go" test. This information, along with vital signs, visual and auditory testing, cognitive and memory testing, and laboratory tests, can help guide the work-up for suspected fall.<br /><br />Primary prevention plays a crucial role in reducing healthcare costs associated with falls. Obtaining a detailed history is essential in determining the cause of a fall.<br /><br />Overall, falls are a significant issue for older adults, leading to injury, disability, and increased healthcare costs. By understanding the risk factors and implementing preventive measures, healthcare professionals can work towards reducing the incidence and impact of falls.

Asset Subtitle

Cyrus Mowdawalla, Taha Awan, Kathryn Haroldson

Keywords

falls

older adults

injury-related disability

mortality

medical expenditures

intrinsic risk factors

extrinsic risk factors

patient assessment

common fall injuries

screening tools