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The prehospital management of ambulance-attended adults who fell: A scoping review. Australas Emerg Care 2023; 26:45-53. [PMID: 35909044 DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ageing population is requiring more ambulance attendances for falls. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesise the evidence for the prehospital management of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) attended adult patients who fall. METHODS The Joanna Briggs Institute methods for scoping reviews were used. Six databases were searched (Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, ProQuest), 1st August 2021. Included sources reported: ambulance attended (context), adults who fell (population), injuries, interventions or disposition data (concept). Data were narratively synthesised. RESULTS One-hundred and fifteen research sources met the inclusion criteria. Detailed information describing prehospital delivered EMS interventions, transport decisions and alternative care pathways was limited. Overall, adults< 65 years were less likely than older adults to be attended repeatedly and/or not transported. Being male, falling from height and sustaining severe injuries were associated with transport to major trauma centres. Older females, falling from standing/low height with minor injuries were less likely to be transported to major trauma centres. CONCLUSION The relationship between patient characteristics, falls and resulting injuries were well described in the literature. Other evidence about EMS management in prehospital settings was limited. Further research regarding prehospital interventions, transport decisions and alternative care pathways in the prehospital setting is recommended.
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Mikolaizak AS, Harvey L, Toson B, Lord SR, Tiedemann A, Howard K, Close JCT. Linking health service utilisation and mortality data-unravelling what happens after fall-related paramedic care. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6514234. [PMID: 35077557 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afab254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A randomised controlled trial implemented and evaluated a new model of care for non-transported older fallers to prevent future falls and unplanned health service use. This current study uses linked data to evaluate the effects of the intervention beyond the initial 12-month study period. METHOD Study data from an established cohort of 221 adults were linked to administrative data from NSW Ambulance, Emergency Department Data Collection, Admitted Patient Data Collection and Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages evaluating health service use at 12, 24 and 36 months following randomisation including time to event (health service utilisation) and mortality. Negative binomial and Cox's proportional hazard regression were performed to capture the impact of the study between groups and adherence status. RESULTS At 36 months follow-up, 89% of participants called an ambulance, 87% attended the Emergency Department and 91% were admitted to hospital. There were no significant differences in all-cause health service utilisation between the control and intervention group (IG) at 12, 24 and 36 months follow-up. Fall-related health service use was significantly higher within the IG at 12 (IRR:1.40 (95%CI:1.01-1.94) and 24 months (IRR:1.43 (95%CI:1.05-1.95)). Medication use, impaired balance and previous falls were associated with subsequent health service use. Over 40% of participants died by the follow-up period with risk of death lower in the IG at 36 months (HR:0.64, 95%CI:0.45-0.91). CONCLUSION Non-transported fallers have a high risk of future health service use for fall and other medical-related reasons. Interventions which address this risk need to be further explored.
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Mikolaizak AS, Lord SR, Tiedemann A, Simpson P, Caplan GA, Bendall J, Howard K, Webster L, Payne N, Hamilton S, Lo J, Ramsay E, O'Rourke S, Roylance L, Close JC. A multidisciplinary intervention to prevent subsequent falls and health service use following fall-related paramedic care: a randomised controlled trial. Age Ageing 2017; 46:200-207. [PMID: 28399219 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afw190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background approximately 25% of older people who fall and receive paramedic care are not subsequently transported to an emergency department (ED). These people are at high risk of future falls, unplanned healthcare use and poor health outcomes. Objective to evaluate the impact of a fall-risk assessment and tailored fall prevention interventions among older community-dwellers not transported to ED following a fall on subsequent falls and health service use. Design, setting, participants Randomised controlled trial involving 221 non-transported older fallers from Sydney, Australia. Intervention the intervention targeted identified risk factors and used existing services to implement physiotherapy, occupational therapy, geriatric assessment, optometry and medication management interventions as appropriate. The control group received individualised written fall prevention advice. Measurements primary outcome measures were rates of falls and injurious falls. Secondary outcome measures were ambulance re-attendance, ED presentation, hospitalisation and quality of life over 12 months. Analysis was by intention-to-treat and per-protocol according to self-reported adherence using negative binominal regression and multivariate analysis. Results ITT analysis showed no significant difference between groups in subsequent falls, injurious falls and health service use. The per-protocol analyses revealed that the intervention participants who adhered to the recommended interventions had significantly lower rates of falls compared to non-adherers (IRR: 0.53 (95% CI : 0.32-0.87)). Conclusion a multidisciplinary intervention did not prevent falls in older people who received paramedic care but were not transported to ED. However the intervention was effective in those who adhered to the recommendations. Trial registration the trial is registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN 12611000503921, 13/05/2011.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stefanie Mikolaizak
- Falls Balance Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen R Lord
- Falls Balance Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne Tiedemann
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Simpson
- Western Sydney University, School of Science and Health, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gideon A Caplan
- Post Acute Care Services, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
| | - Jason Bendall
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kirsten Howard
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lyndell Webster
- Falls Balance Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Narelle Payne
- Falls Balance Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Hamilton
- Falls Balance Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanne Lo
- Falls Balance Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Ramsay
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandra O'Rourke
- Falls Balance Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Linda Roylance
- Falls Balance Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J C Close
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- UNSW Prince of Wales Clinical School, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
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Snooks HA, Anthony R, Chatters R, Dale J, Fothergill R, Gaze S, Halter M, Humphreys I, Koniotou M, Logan P, Lyons R, Mason S, Nicholl J, Peconi J, Phillips C, Phillips J, Porter A, Siriwardena AN, Smith G, Toghill A, Wani M, Watkins A, Whitfield R, Wilson L, Russell IT. Support and Assessment for Fall Emergency Referrals (SAFER) 2: a cluster randomised trial and systematic review of clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of new protocols for emergency ambulance paramedics to assess older people following a fall with referral to community-based care when appropriate. Health Technol Assess 2017; 21:1-218. [PMID: 28397649 PMCID: PMC5402213 DOI: 10.3310/hta21130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency calls are frequently made to ambulance services for older people who have fallen, but ambulance crews often leave patients at the scene without any ongoing care. We evaluated a new clinical protocol which allowed paramedics to assess older people who had fallen and, if appropriate, refer them to community-based falls services. OBJECTIVES To compare outcomes, processes and costs of care between intervention and control groups; and to understand factors which facilitate or hinder use. DESIGN Cluster randomised controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS Participating paramedics at three ambulance services in England and Wales were based at stations randomised to intervention or control arms. Participants were aged 65 years and over, attended by a study paramedic for a fall-related emergency service call, and resident in the trial catchment areas. INTERVENTIONS Intervention paramedics received a clinical protocol with referral pathway, training and support to change practice. Control paramedics continued practice as normal. OUTCOMES The primary outcome comprised subsequent emergency health-care contacts (emergency admissions, emergency department attendances, emergency service calls) or death at 1 month and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included pathway of care, ambulance service operational indicators, self-reported outcomes and costs of care. Those assessing outcomes remained blinded to group allocation. RESULTS Across sites, 3073 eligible patients attended by 105 paramedics from 14 ambulance stations were randomly allocated to the intervention group, and 2841 eligible patients attended by 110 paramedics from 11 stations were randomly allocated to the control group. After excluding dissenting and unmatched patients, 2391 intervention group patients and 2264 control group patients were included in primary outcome analyses. We did not find an effect on our overall primary outcome at 1 month or 6 months. However, further emergency service calls were reduced at both 1 month and 6 months; a smaller proportion of patients had made further emergency service calls at 1 month (18.5% vs. 21.8%) and the rate per patient-day at risk at 6 months was lower in the intervention group (0.013 vs. 0.017). Rate of conveyance to emergency department at index incident was similar between groups. Eight per cent of trial eligible patients in the intervention arm were referred to falls services by attending paramedics, compared with 1% in the control arm. The proportion of patients left at scene without further care was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (22.6% vs. 30.3%). We found no differences in duration of episode of care or job cycle. No adverse events were reported. Mean cost of the intervention was £17.30 per patient. There were no significant differences in mean resource utilisation, utilities at 1 month or 6 months or quality-adjusted life-years. In total, 58 patients, 25 paramedics and 31 stakeholders participated in focus groups or interviews. Patients were very satisfied with assessments carried out by paramedics. Paramedics reported that the intervention had increased their confidence to leave patients at home, but barriers to referral included patients' social situations and autonomy. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that this new pathway may be introduced by ambulance services at modest cost, without risk of harm and with some reductions in further emergency calls. However, we did not find evidence of improved health outcomes or reductions in overall NHS emergency workload. Further research is necessary to understand issues in implementation, the costs and benefits of e-trials and the performance of the modified Falls Efficacy Scale. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN60481756 and PROSPERO CRD42013006418. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 21, No. 13. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen A Snooks
- Patient and Population Health and Informatics, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Rebecca Anthony
- Patient and Population Health and Informatics, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Robin Chatters
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Rachael Fothergill
- Clinical Audit and Research Unit, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sarah Gaze
- Patient and Population Health and Informatics, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Mary Halter
- Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences, St George's University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ioan Humphreys
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Marina Koniotou
- Patient and Population Health and Informatics, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Phillipa Logan
- Community Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ronan Lyons
- Patient and Population Health and Informatics, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Suzanne Mason
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jon Nicholl
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Julie Peconi
- Patient and Population Health and Informatics, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Ceri Phillips
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Judith Phillips
- Centre for Innovative Ageing, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Alison Porter
- Patient and Population Health and Informatics, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | | | | | | | - Mushtaq Wani
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- Patient and Population Health and Informatics, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Richard Whitfield
- Pre-hospital Emergency Research Unit (PERU), Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lynsey Wilson
- Patient and Population Health and Informatics, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Ian T Russell
- Patient and Population Health and Informatics, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
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The unseen cost of falls: The environmental impact of attending falls call out by the emergency ambulance services. Eur Geriatr Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurger.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Iliffe S, Kendrick D, Morris R, Masud T, Gage H, Skelton D, Dinan S, Bowling A, Griffin M, Haworth D, Swanwick G, Carpenter H, Kumar A, Stevens Z, Gawler S, Barlow C, Cook J, Belcher C. Multicentre cluster randomised trial comparing a community group exercise programme and home-based exercise with usual care for people aged 65 years and over in primary care. Health Technol Assess 2015; 18:vii-xxvii, 1-105. [PMID: 25098959 DOI: 10.3310/hta18490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular physical activity (PA) reduces the risk of falls and hip fractures, and mortality from all causes. However, PA levels are low in the older population and previous intervention studies have demonstrated only modest, short-term improvements. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of two exercise promotion programmes on PA in people aged ≥ 65 years. DESIGN The ProAct65+ study was a pragmatic, three-arm parallel design, cluster randomised controlled trial of class-based exercise [Falls Management Exercise (FaME) programme], home-based exercise [Otago Exercise Programme (OEP)] and usual care among older people (aged ≥ 65 years) in primary care. SETTING Forty-three UK-based general practices in London and Nottingham/Derby. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1256 people ≥ 65 years were recruited through their general practices to take part in the trial. INTERVENTIONS The FaME programme and OEP. FaME included weekly classes plus home exercises for 24 weeks and encouraged walking. OEP included home exercises supported by peer mentors (PMs) for 24 weeks, and encouraged walking. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the proportion that reported reaching the recommended PA target of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week, 12 months after cessation of the intervention. Secondary outcomes included functional assessments of balance and falls risk, the incidence of falls, fear of falling, quality of life, social networks and self-efficacy. An economic evaluation including participant and NHS costs was embedded in the clinical trial. RESULTS In total, 20,507 patients from 43 general practices were invited to participate. Expressions of interest were received from 2752 (13%) and 1256 (6%) consented to join the trial; 387 were allocated to the FaME arm, 411 to the OEP arm and 458 to usual care. Primary outcome data were available at 12 months after the end of the intervention period for 830 (66%) of the study participants. The proportions reporting at least 150 minutes of MVPA per week rose between baseline and 12 months after the intervention from 40% to 49% in the FaME arm, from 41% to 43% in the OEP arm and from 37.5% to 38.0% in the usual-care arm. A significantly higher proportion in the FaME arm than in the usual-care arm reported at least 150 minutes of MVPA per week at 12 months after the intervention [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11 to 2.87; p = 0.02]. There was no significant difference in MVPA between OEP and usual care (AOR 1.17, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.92; p = 0.52). Participants in the FaME arm added around 15 minutes of MVPA per day to their baseline physical activity level. In the 12 months after the close of the intervention phase, there was a statistically significant reduction in falls rate in the FaME arm compared with the usual-care arm (incidence rate ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.99; p = 0.042). Scores on the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly showed a small but statistically significant benefit for FaME compared with usual care, as did perceptions of benefits from exercise. Balance confidence was significantly improved at 12 months post intervention in both arms compared with the usual-care arm. There were no statistically significant differences between intervention arms and the usual-care arm in other secondary outcomes, including quality-adjusted life-years. FaME is more expensive than OEP delivered with PMs (£269 vs. £88 per participant in London; £218 vs. £117 in Nottingham). The cost per extra person exercising at, or above, target was £1919.64 in London and £1560.21 in Nottingham (mean £1739.93). CONCLUSION The FaME intervention increased self-reported PA levels among community-dwelling older adults 12 months after the intervention, and significantly reduced falls. Both the FaME and OEP interventions appeared to be safe, with no significant differences in adverse reactions between study arms. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered as ISRCTN43453770. FUNDING This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 18, No. 49. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Iliffe
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Denise Kendrick
- Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Richard Morris
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tahir Masud
- Clinical Gerontology Research Unit, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Heather Gage
- Department of Economics, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Dawn Skelton
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Susie Dinan
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ann Bowling
- Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mark Griffin
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Deborah Haworth
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Glen Swanwick
- Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Hannah Carpenter
- Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Arun Kumar
- Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Zoe Stevens
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sheena Gawler
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Cate Barlow
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Juliette Cook
- Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Carolyn Belcher
- Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Mikolaizak AS, Simpson PM, Tiedemann A, Lord SR, Close JCT. Systematic review of non-transportation rates and outcomes for older people who have fallen after ambulance service call-out. Australas J Ageing 2013; 32:147-57. [PMID: 24028454 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To review the evidence regarding non-transported older people who have fallen in relation to non-transportation rates, outcomes and impact of alternate care pathways. METHOD Electronic databases and reference lists of included studies (up to December 2011) were systematically searched. Studies were eligible if they included data on non-transportation rates, information on outcomes or alternate care pathways for older people who have fallen. RESULTS Twelve studies were included. Non-transportation rates following a fall ranged from 11% to 56%. Up to 49% of non-transported people who have fallen had unplanned health-care contact within 28 days of the initial incident. Attendance by specially trained paramedics and individualised multifactorial interventions significantly reduced adverse events including subsequent falls, emergency ambulance calls, emergency department attendance and hospital admission. CONCLUSION Limited but promising evidence shows that appropriate interventions can improve health outcomes of non-transported older people who have fallen. Further studies are needed to explore alternate care pathways and promote more efficient use of health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stefanie Mikolaizak
- Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Abstract
SummaryFalls and fall-related injury are common and become more prevalent with increasing age. Risk factors for falling are numerous, synergistic and complex, and require multidisciplinary assessment. The evidence base for intervention strategies continues to improve, but is often limited by the methodological difficulties that are inherent in falls research. The most effective intervention is a multifactorial approach that targets identified risk factors. Multicomponent exercise, either in a group or individually, is one of the most effective components of intervention. Other successful components include home hazard modification and psychotropic medication withdrawal. Primary prevention does not appear to be cost effective, but secondary prevention far outweighs the cost of falls and fall-related injury.
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Simpson PM, Bendall JC, Patterson J, Tiedemann A, Middleton PM, Close JCT. Epidemiology of ambulance responses to older people who have fallen in New South Wales, Australia. Australas J Ageing 2012; 32:171-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2012.00621.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason C Bendall
- Ambulance Service of New South Wales; Sydney; New South Wales; Australia
| | - Jillian Patterson
- New South Wales Health Biostatistical Training Program; Sydney; New South Wales; Australia
| | - Anne Tiedemann
- The George Institute for Global Health; Sydney; New South Wales; Australia
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Collerton J, Kingston A, Bond J, Davies K, Eccles MP, Jagger C, Kirkwood TBL, Newton JL. The personal and health service impact of falls in 85 year olds: cross-sectional findings from the Newcastle 85+ cohort study. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33078. [PMID: 22427954 PMCID: PMC3302867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Falls are common in older people and increase in prevalence with advancing old age. There is limited knowledge about their impact in those aged 85 years and older, the fastest growing age group of the population. We investigated the prevalence and impact of falls, and the overlap between falls, dizziness and blackouts, in a population-based sample of 85 year olds. METHODS DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from Newcastle 85+ Cohort Study. SETTING Primary care, North-East England. PARTICIPANTS 816 men and women aged 85 years. MEASUREMENTS Structured interview with research nurse. Cost-consequence analysis of fall-related healthcare costs. RESULTS Over 38% (313/816) of participants had fallen at least once in the previous 12 months and of these: 10.6% (33/312) sustained a fracture, 30.1% (94/312) attended an emergency department, and 12.8% (40/312) were admitted to hospital. Only 37.2% (115/309) of fallers had specifically discussed their falls problem with their general practitioner and only 12.7% (39/308) had seen a falls specialist. The average annual healthcare cost per faller was estimated at £202 (inter-quartile range £174-£231) or US$329 ($284-$377). 'Worry about falling' was experienced by 42.0% (128/305) of fallers, 'loss of confidence' by 40.0% (122/305), and 'going out less often' by 25.9% (79/305); each was significantly more common in women, odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for women: men of 2.63 (1.45-4.55), 4.00 (2.27-7.14), and 2.86 (1.54-5.56) respectively. Dizziness and blackouts were reported by 40.0% (318/796) and 6.4% (52/808) of participants respectively. There was marked overlap in the report of falls, dizziness and blackouts. CONCLUSIONS Falls in 85 year olds are very common, associated with considerable psychological and physical morbidity, and have high impact on healthcare services. Wider use of fall prevention services is needed. Significant expansion in acute and preventative services is required in view of the rapid growth in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Collerton
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
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Lowe R, Porter A, Snooks H, Button L, Evans BA. The association between illness representation profiles and use of unscheduled urgent and emergency health care services. Br J Health Psychol 2011; 16:862-79. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2044-8287.2011.02023.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Davis JC, Robertson MC, Ashe MC, Liu-Ambrose T, Khan KM, Marra CA. International comparison of cost of falls in older adults living in the community: a systematic review. Osteoporos Int 2010; 21:1295-306. [PMID: 20195846 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-009-1162-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2009] [Accepted: 12/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY Our objective was to determine international estimates of the economic burden of falls in older people living in the community. Our systematic review emphasized the need for a consensus on methodology for cost of falls studies to enable more accurate comparisons and subgroup-specific estimates among different countries. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to determine international estimates of the economic burden of falls in older people living in the community. METHODS This is a systematic review of peer-reviewed journal articles reporting estimates for the cost of falls in people aged > or =60 years living in the community. We searched for papers published between 1945 and December 2008 in MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Collaboration, and NHS EED databases that identified cost of falls in older adults. We extracted the cost of falls in the reported currency and converted them to US dollars at 2008 prices, cost items measured, perspective, time horizon, and sensitivity analysis. We assessed the quality of the studies using a selection of questions from Drummond's checklist. RESULTS Seventeen studies met our inclusion criteria. Studies varied with respect to viewpoint of the analysis, definition of falls, identification of important and relevant cost items, and time horizon. Only two studies reported a sensitivity analysis and only four studies identified the viewpoint of their economic analysis. In the USA, non-fatal and fatal falls cost US $23.3 billion (2008 prices) annually and US $1.6 billion in the UK. CONCLUSIONS The economic cost of falls is likely greater than policy makers appreciate. The mean cost of falls was dependent on the denominator used and ranged from US $3,476 per faller to US $10,749 per injurious fall and US $26,483 per fall requiring hospitalization. A consensus on methodology for cost of falls studies would enable more accurate comparisons and subgroup-specific estimates among different countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Davis
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Bleijlevens MHC, Diederiks JPM, Hendriks MRC, van Haastregt JCM, Crebolder HFJM, van Eijk JTM. Relationship between location and activity in injurious falls: an exploratory study. BMC Geriatr 2010; 10:40. [PMID: 20565871 PMCID: PMC2902483 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-10-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2009] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Knowledge about the circumstances under which injurious falls occur could provide healthcare workers with better tools to prevent falls and fall-related injuries. Therefore, we assessed whether older persons who sustain an injurious fall can be classified into specific fall types, based on a combination of fall location and activity up to the moment of the fall. In addition, we assessed whether specific injurious fall types are related to causes of the fall, consequences of the fall, socio-demographic characteristics, and health-related characteristics. Methods An exploratory, cross-sectional study design was used to identify injurious fall types. The study population comprised 333 community-dwelling Dutch elderly people aged 65 years or over who attended an accident and emergency department after a fall. All participants received a self-administered questionnaire after being discharged home. The questionnaire comprised items concerning circumstances of the injurious fall, causes of the fall, consequences of the fall, socio-demographic characteristics and health-related characteristics. Injurious fall types were distinguished by analyzing data by means of HOMALS (homogeneity analysis by means of alternating least squares). Results We identified 4 injurious fall types: 1) Indoor falls related to lavatory visits (hall and bathroom); 2) Indoor falls during other activities of daily living; 3) Outdoor falls near the home during instrumental activities of daily living; 4) Outdoor falls away from home, occurring during walking, cycling, and shopping for groceries. These injurious fall types were significantly related to age, cause of the fall, activity avoidance and daily functioning. Conclusion The face validity of the injurious fall typology is obvious. However, we found no relationship between the injurious fall types and severity of the consequences of the fall. Nevertheless, there appears to be a difference between the prevalence of fractures and the cause of the fall between the injurious fall types. Our data suggests that with regard to prevention of serious injuries, we should pay special attention to outdoor fallers and indoor fallers during lavatory visits. In addition, we should have special attention for causes of the fall. However, the conclusions reached in this exploratory analysis are tentative and need to be validated in a separate dataset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel H C Bleijlevens
- Department of Health Care and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences Maastricht University, PO box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Heinrich S, Rapp K, Rissmann U, Becker C, König HH. Cost of falls in old age: a systematic review. Osteoporos Int 2010; 21:891-902. [PMID: 19924496 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-009-1100-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 315] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to review the evidence of the economic burden of falls in old age. This review showed that falls are a relevant economic burden. Efforts should be directed to fall-prevention programmes. INTRODUCTION Falls are a common mechanism of injury and a leading cause of costs of injury in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to review for the first time the evidence of the economic burden caused by falls in old age. METHODS A systematic review was conducted in the databases of PubMed, of the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination and in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews until June 2009. Studies were assessed for inclusion, classified and synthesised. Costs per inhabitant, the share of fall-related costs in total health care expenditures and in gross domestic products (GDP) were calculated. If appropriate, cost data were inflated to the year 2006 and converted to US Dollar (USD PPP). RESULTS A total of 32 studies were included. National fall-related costs of prevalence-based studies were between 0.85% and 1.5% of the total health care expenditures, 0.07% to 0.20% of the GDP and ranged from 113 to 547 USD PPP per inhabitant. Direct costs occurred especially in higher age groups, in females, in hospitals and long-term care facilities and for fractures. Mean costs per fall victim, per fall and per fall-related hospitalisation ranged from 2,044 to 25,955; 1,059 to 10,913 and 5,654 to 42,840 USD PPP and depended on fall severity. A more detailed comparison is restricted by the limited number of studies. CONCLUSION Falls are a relevant economic burden to society. Efforts should be directed to economic evaluations of fall-prevention programmes aiming at reducing fall-related fractures, which contribute substantially to fall-related costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Heinrich
- Health Economics Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 26, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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15
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Iliffe S, Kendrick D, Morris R, Skelton D, Gage H, Dinan S, Stevens Z, Pearl M, Masud T. Multi-centre cluster randomised trial comparing a community group exercise programme with home based exercise with usual care for people aged 65 and over in primary care: protocol of the ProAct 65+ trial. Trials 2010; 11:6. [PMID: 20082696 PMCID: PMC2821309 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-11-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2009] [Accepted: 01/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular physical activity reduces the risk of mortality from all causes, with a powerful beneficial effect on risk of falls and hip fractures. However, physical activity levels are low in the older population and previous studies have demonstrated only modest, short-term improvements in activity levels with intervention. DESIGN/METHODS Pragmatic 3 arm parallel design cluster controlled trial of class-based exercise (FAME), home-based exercise (OEP) and usual care amongst older people (aged 65 years and over) in primary care. The primary outcome is the achievement of recommended physical activity targets 12 months after cessation of intervention. Secondary outcomes include functional assessments, predictors of exercise adherence, the incidence of falls, fear of falling, quality of life and continuation of physical activity after intervention, over a two-year follow up. An economic evaluation including participant and NHS costs will be embedded in the clinical trial. DISCUSSION The ProAct65 trial will explore and evaluate the potential for increasing physical activity among older people recruited through general practice. The trial will be conducted in a relatively unselected population, and will address problems of selective recruitment, potentially low retention rates, variable quality of interventions and falls risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial Registration: ISRCTN43453770.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Iliffe
- Department of Primary Care & Population Health, University College London, Rowland Hill St, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Denise Kendrick
- Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, Tower Building, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Richard Morris
- Department of Primary Care & Population Health, University College London, Rowland Hill St, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Dawn Skelton
- School of Health, HealthQWest, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, UK
| | - Heather Gage
- Department of Economics, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Susie Dinan
- Department of Primary Care & Population Health, University College London, Rowland Hill St, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Zoe Stevens
- Department of Primary Care & Population Health, University College London, Rowland Hill St, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Mirilee Pearl
- Department of Primary Care & Population Health, University College London, Rowland Hill St, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Tahir Masud
- Department of Health Care for Older People, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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Developing a new response to non-urgent emergency calls: evaluation of a nurse and paramedic partnership intervention. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2008. [DOI: 10.1017/s1463423608000765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Cost-effectiveness of a multidisciplinary fall prevention program in community-dwelling elderly people: a randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN 64716113). Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2008; 24:193-202. [PMID: 18400123 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462308080276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Multidisciplinary and multifactorial interventions seem to be effective in preventing falls. We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of a multidisciplinary fall prevention program compared with usual Dutch healthcare in community-dwelling people 65 years of age or older who experienced a fall. METHODS Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis were performed from a societal perspective. Falls and healthcare utilization were continuously measured for 12 months. Daily functioning and quality of life were measured at baseline, after 4 and 12 months. Bootstrap analyses were performed to estimate uncertainty of the findings and sensitivity analysis to assess the generalizability of assumptions made. RESULTS One hundred sixty-six participants were randomly allocated to the experimental group and 167 to the control group. The overall response rate was 74 percent. Healthcare and patient and family costs of both groups were comparable. Our analyses showed no effect of the intervention program on falls, daily functioning, or quality of life measures. CONCLUSIONS The multidisciplinary intervention program to prevent falls was not cost-effective compared with usual care in the Netherlands. Notwithstanding our findings, however, falls still have an important impact on society and individuals in terms of costs and effects. Economic evaluations studying promising interventions to prevent falls, therefore, remain necessary.
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Coleman AL. Sources of binocular suprathreshold visual field loss in a cohort of older women being followed for risk of falls (an American Ophthalmological Society thesis). TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2007; 105:312-29. [PMID: 18427619 PMCID: PMC2258128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the sources of binocular visual field loss most strongly associated with falls in a cohort of older women. METHODS In the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures, women with severe binocular visual field loss had an increased risk of two or more falls during the 12 months following the eye examination. The lens and fundus photographs of the 422 women with severe binocular visual field loss, plus a random sample of 141 white women with no, mild, or moderate binocular visual field loss--47 white women with no binocular visual field loss, 46 white women with mild binocular visual field loss, and 48 white women with moderate binocular visual field loss--were evaluated for lens opacities, glaucomatous optic nerve damage, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS Eighty-four percent of the women with severe binocular visual field loss had ocular disease in one or both eyes. Bilateral cataracts and glaucomatous optic nerve damage were the most common sources of this severe binocular visual field loss. Approximately 15.2% of women had no evidence of lens opacities, glaucomatous optic nerve damage, age-related macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. CONCLUSION Severe binocular visual field loss due primarily to cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration explains 33.3% of the falls among women who fell frequently. Because binocular visual field loss may be treatable and/or preventable, screening programs for binocular visual field loss and subsequent referral for intervention and treatment are recommended as a strategy for preventing falls among the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Louise Coleman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
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