Citation

Hill KD, Moore KJ, Dorevitch MI, Day LM. J. Am. Geriatr. Soc. 2008; 56(4): 600-608.

Affiliation

Preventive and Public Health Division, National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1532-5415.2007.01626.x

PMID

18266663

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate outcomes associated with falls clinic programs. DESIGN: Longitudinal. SETTING: Thirteen outpatient falls clinics in Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred fifty-four people referred for clinic assessment (mean age+/-standard deviation 77.9+/-8.8; 73% female). INTERVENTION: After assessment, multifactorial interventions were organized to address identified risk factors. MEASUREMENTS: A Minimum Data Set was developed and used across all clinics to derive common data on falls, falls injuries, and secondary measures associated with falls risk, including balance, falls efficacy, gait, leg strength, function, and activity. All measures were repeated 6 months later. RESULTS: Clients had a high risk of falls, with 78% having had falls in the preceding 6 months (63% multiple fallers, 10% experiencing fractures from the falls). An average of 7.6+/-2.8 falls risk factors were identified per client. The clinic team organized an average of 5.7+/-2.3 new or additional interventions per client. Sixty-one percent of eligible clients returned for the 6-month assessment. At this time, there was more than a 50% reduction in falls, multiple falls, and fall injuries (P

Language: en