Experience of a falls and injuries risk assessment clinic

To describe the first 2 years of operation of a specialist Falls Clinic providing assessment of falls risk and individual preventive interventions in a public hospital setting.

Drawing from the available falls prevention evidence, a multidisciplinary Falls Clinic involving specialist medical assessment, physiotherapy assessment and treatment was established.

Over 2 years, 386 patients were seen in the clinic with the majority referred by a GP. The most frequent intervention for patients was referral to a Falls Education Program run by allied health staff at the hospital. Patients attending balance and exercise classes through this program showed significant improvement in physiotherapy test scores, reducing their risk of falls. The detection and treatment of osteoporosis was another important outcome for older persons attending the clinic.

The Falls Clinic provides access to evidence-based strategies for patients. Waiting lists for the clinic have increased dramatically since its inception. Ideally many of the interventions should be available in the primary care setting to increase access for those in the community at risk of falls.