Citation

Hartholt KA, van Beeck EF, Polinder S, van der Velde N, van Lieshout EM, Panneman MJ, van der Cammen TJ, Patka P. J. Trauma 2011; 71(3): 748-753.

Affiliation

From the Department of Surgery-Traumatology (K.A.H., E.M.M.v.L., P.P.), Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Geriatric Medicine (K.A.H., N.v.d.V., T.J.M.v.d.C.), and Department of Public Health (E.F.v.B., S.P.), Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam; and Consumer and Safety Institute (M.J.M.P.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/TA.0b013e3181f6f5e5

PMID

21045738

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: Fall incidents are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The aim of this cohort study was to determine the incidence, costs, and quality of life for fall-related injuries in the older Dutch population presenting at the emergency department. METHODS:: Data on fall-related injuries in persons aged 65 years or older were retrieved from the Dutch Injury Surveillance System, which records injuries treated at the emergency department, and a patient follow-up survey conducted between 2003 and 2007. Injury incidence, discharge rates, healthcare costs, and quality of life measures were calculated. RESULTS:: Fall-related injuries were to the upper or lower limb in 70% of cases and consisted mainly of fractures (60%), superficial injuries (21%), and open wounds (8%). Falls led to a total healthcare cost of &OV0556;474.4 million, which represents 21% of total healthcare expenses due to injuries. Both admitted and nonadmitted patients reported a reduced quality of life up to 9 months after the injury. CONCLUSIONS:: Fall-related injuries in older adults are age and gender related, leading to high healthcare consumption, costs, and long-term reduced quality of life. Further implementation of falls prevention strategies is needed to control the burden of fall-related injuries in the aging population.

Language: en