TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2019//
TI  - Intervention to prevent falls: community-based clinics
JO  - Journal of applied gerontology
A1  - Baker, Dorothy I.
A1  - Leo-Summers, Linda
A1  - Murphy, Terrence E.
A1  - Katz, Barbara
A1  - Capobianco, Beth A.
SP  - 999
EP  - 1010
VL  - 38
IS  - 7
N2  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to document results of State funded fall prevention clinics on rates of self-reported falls and fall-related use of health services. <br><br>METHODS: Older adults participated in community-based fall prevention clinics providing individual assessments, interventions, and referrals to collaborating community providers. A pre-post design compares self-reported 6-month fall history and fall-related use of health care before and after clinic attendance. <br><br>RESULTS: Participants ( N = 751) were predominantly female (82%) averaging 81 years of age reporting vision (75%) and mobility (57%) difficulties. Assessments revealed polypharmacy (54%), moderate- to high-risk mobility issues (39%), and postural hypotension (10%). Self-reported preclinic fall rates were 256/751(34%) and postclinic rates were 81/751 (10.8%), ( p =.0001). Reported use of fall-related health services, including hospitalization, was also significantly lower after intervention. IMPLICATIONS: Evidence-based assessments, risk-reducing recommendations, and referrals that include convenient exercise opportunities may reduce falls and utilization of health care services. Estimates regarding health care spending and policy are presented.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0733-4648
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0733464817721113
ID  - ref1
ER  -