Citation

Williams-Roberts H, Arnold C, Kemp D, Crizzle AM, Johnson S. Can. J. Aging 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Cambridge Press)

DOI

10.1017/S0714980820000112

PMID

32985402

Abstract

Given the rising numbers of older adults in Canada experiencing falls, evidence-based identification of fall risks and plans for prevention across the continuum of care is a significant priority for health care providers. A scoping review was conducted to synthesize published international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and recommendations for fall risk screening and assessment in older adults (defined as 65 years of age and older). Of the 22 CPGs, 6 pertained to multiple settings, 9 pertained to community-dwelling older adults only, 2 each pertained to acute care and long-term care settings only, and 3 did not specify setting. Two criteria, prior fall history and gait and balance abnormalities, were applied either independently or sequentially in 19 CPG fall risk screening algorithms. Fall risk assessment components were more varied across CPGs but commonly included: detailed fall history; detailed evaluation of gait, balance, and/or mobility; medication review; vision; and environmental hazards assessment. Despite these similarities, more work is needed to streamline assessment approaches for heterogeneous and complex older adult populations across the care continuum. Support is also needed for sustainable implementation of CPGs in order to improve health outcomes.

Language: en

Keywords

older adults; aging; clinical practice guideline; dépistage du risque de chute; examen de la portée; fall prevention; fall risk screening; lignes directrices de pratique clinique; personnes âgées; prévention des chutes; scoping review; vieillissement