Quality of life as an outcome of fall prevention interventions among the aged: a systematic review

Measuring quality of life (QOL) is an important part in assessing the effects of treatments and health services on patients' well-being. This kind of an assessment should be included when assessing the effects of preventive programmes. The aim was to explore whether QOL has been used as an outcome measure in fall prevention trials and to provide a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that involve fall prevention interventions with an assessment of the effects on QOL among the aged. No previous systematic review about this topic among the aged was found.

A search covering various medical databases was conducted to identify RCTs about the effects of fall prevention programmes on QOL. The 12 included studies were classified according to an appraisal of the population, the method of randomization, the intervention and control programmes, the QOL measures and the results. Methodological quality was assessed in relation to blinding at outcome assessment, length of follow-up and using intention to treat analysis.

Six studies out of 12 showed a positive effect on some dimensions of QOL (physical function, social function, vitality, mental health, environmental domain). The methods of interventions showing a positive effect varied.

Only a few fall prevention studies reported a positive effect on QOL. Studies with larger sample sizes, longer follow-ups and multiple outcome measures are needed. QOL should be taken into account as an secondary outcome measure.