(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- For one of the most common health problems in the
elderly, prevention may be in the hands of health care providers.
In a recent study involving clinical practices in Connecticut, researchers found
certain safety measures reduced fall-related injuries by nine percent.
Researchers translate this number into 1,800 fewer emergency department visits
or hospital admissions. The study panel looked at the rates of serious
fall-related injuries like hip fractures, head injuries and joint dislocations
and the fall-related use of medical care among persons over 70 years of age.
They compared the rates after three years of safety measures with numbers before
that time span. In addition to the reduction in fall-related injuries, they
found safety interventions decreased fall-related use of medical services by 11
percent.
The safety interventions put into place included reduction in medications
administered, management of postural hypotension, management of visual and foot
problems, hazard reduction, and balance, gait and strength training.
Injuries resulting from falls account for 10 percent of emergency department
visits and are major causes of health declines, placements in a nursing homes
and restricted activity in the older population.
SOURCE: New England Journal of Medicine, 2008;359:252-261
