Journal
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Volume 75, Issue -, Pages 29-32Publisher
W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.10.021
Keywords
Falls; Geriatric falls; Geriatric head trauma; Follow-up; Geriatric emergency medicine; Fall prevention
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Falls are the leading cause of injuries in the US for older adults. Follow-up after an ED-related fall visit is essential to initiate preventive strategies in these patients who are at high risk for recurrent falls. A study found that only 60% of ED patients with fall-related head injury followed up with their primary care physician (PCP), and of those, 72% received a fall assessment and 56% adopted a fall prevention strategy. These findings highlight the urgent need to promote PCP fall assessment and the adoption of prevention strategies in this population.
Study objective: Falls are the leading cause of injuries in the US for older adults. Follow-up after an ED-related fall visit is essential to initiate preventive strategies in these patients who are at very high risk for recurrent falls. It is currently unclear how frequently follow-up occurs and whether preventive strategies are implemented. Our objective is to determine the rate of follow-up by older adults who sustain a fall related head injury resulting in an ED visit, the rate and type of risk assessment and adoption of preventive strategies. Methods: This 1-year prospective observational study was conducted at two South Florida hospitals. All older ED patients with an acute head injury due to a fall were identified. Telephone surveys were conducted 14 days after ED presentation asking about PCP follow-up and adoption of fall prevention strategies. Clinical and demographic characteristics were compared between patients with and without follow up. Results: Of 4951 patients with a head injury from a fall, 1527 met inclusion criteria. 905 reported follow-up with their PCP. Of these, 72% reported receiving a fall assessment and 56% adopted a fall prevention strategy. Participants with PCP follow-up were significantly more likely to have a history of cancer or hypertension. Conclusion: Only 60% of ED patients with fall-related head injury follow-up with their PCP. Further, 72% received a fall assessment and only 56% adopted a fall prevention strategy. These data indicate an urgent need to promote PCP fall assessment and adoption of prevention strategies in these patients. (c) 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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