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Economic evaluation of a community based exercise programme to prevent falls
M C Robertson1, N Devlin, P Scuffham
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin, New Zealand. clare.robertson@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|July 13, 2001
Summary
A home-based exercise program reduced falls in older women but did not significantly lower healthcare costs. This study provides cost-effectiveness data for falls prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Health Economics
Background:
- Falls are a significant cause of hospital costs in older adults.
- Effective fall prevention strategies are crucial for reducing healthcare burdens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incremental costs and cost-effectiveness of a home-based muscle strengthening and balance retraining program.
- To determine if the program, which reduced falls and injuries, was cost-effective in older women.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial with two years of follow-up was conducted.
- Participants (women aged 80+) were assigned to an exercise program or usual care.
- Economic evaluation included intervention costs, fall-related healthcare costs, and total healthcare costs.
Main Results:
- Falls accounted for 27% of total hospital costs.
- No significant differences in overall health service costs were observed between groups.
- The exercise program cost $314-$265 per fall prevented and $457-$426 per injury prevented (1995 NZD).
Conclusions:
- Home exercise programs can reduce falls in older women.
- Despite fall reduction, significant healthcare cost savings were not demonstrated.
- Findings offer valuable cost-effectiveness insights for falls prevention strategy development.