[Elderly's emergency department contacts following falls]

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Public Health
• Emergency Medicine

Context:

• Falls are a significant cause of injury and healthcare utilization among the elderly population.
• The H:S Hvidovre hospital in Copenhagen serves a demographic with a high prevalence of elderly residents.
• Understanding the burden of fall-related emergency department (ED) visits is crucial for resource allocation and patient care.

Purpose:

• To quantify and characterize emergency department (ED) visits resulting from falls in individuals aged 65 and above.
• To analyze injury patterns, admission rates, and healthcare utilization following fall-related ED contacts.
• To assess the follow-up care and outcomes for elderly patients after an ED visit for a fall.

Summary:

• A three-month study of elderly patients (65+) visiting the H:S Hvidovre hospital ED for falls revealed 535 individuals (582 visits).
• Fractures occurred in 32% of cases, with 39% requiring hospital admission. Notably, 37% of those discharged home had no planned follow-up.
• Over six months, these patients generated 215 ED contacts, 444 hospital admissions, and a 13% mortality rate.

Impact:

• The study highlights the significant healthcare burden associated with elderly falls, including high rates of injury and readmission.
• A substantial gap in planned follow-up care for elderly patients returning home post-ED visit was identified.
• Findings underscore the necessity for improved assessment and collaboration between hospital and primary care to enhance fall prevention and elderly care.