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Hospitalisations due to falls in older persons
1Department of Public Health, HSE Eastern Region, Dr Steevens' Hospital, Dublin 8. deirdre.carey1@mailf.hse.ie
Irish Medical Journal
|August 16, 2005
Summary
Falls among older adults in Ireland led to over 2,000 hospitalizations in 2002, primarily hip fractures in women, costing millions. Fall prevention strategies are crucial for healthcare facilities to address this growing issue.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Falls are a significant cause of injury and hospitalization among older adults.
- The Eastern Region of Ireland experiences a substantial burden of fall-related injuries in individuals aged 65 and over.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics and costs associated with hospitalizations due to falls in older adults in Ireland.
- To highlight the need for fall prevention strategies in healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospitalization data for individuals aged 65+ in the Eastern Region of Ireland for the year 2002.
- Categorization of injuries, patient demographics, and associated inpatient costs.
Main Results:
- 2,029 hospitalizations were recorded, with 78% being female and 68% aged 75+.
- Fractures accounted for 84% of cases, with hip fractures being the most common (42%) and costliest.
- Hip fractures incurred 7.4 million euros in inpatient costs and led to long-term care transfers for 56% of affected individuals.
Conclusions:
- Falls represent a major cause of morbidity and high healthcare costs in the elderly population.
- Hip fractures are particularly costly and lead to significant long-term care needs.
- Implementing robust fall prevention strategies in acute and long-stay facilities is essential to mitigate the impact of an aging population on injury rates.