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Community-based intervention to optimise falls risk management: a randomised controlled trial.
P M Ciaschini1, S E Straus, L R Dolovich
1Algoma District Medical Group, Sault Ste. Marie, Canada.
Age and Ageing
|September 22, 2009
Summary
This study found that a community-based falls prevention program increased referrals to therapy but did not reduce falls in older adults. Therefore, similar interventions cannot be recommended for falls reduction.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Falls are a leading cause of accidental death and fractures in older adults.
- Interventions to assess and reduce falls risk are underutilized in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a multifaceted community-based program designed to optimize the management of patients at risk for fall-related fractures.
- Assessed the impact of evidence-based interventions on falls and fractures in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A randomized trial conducted in Ontario, Canada, from 2003 to 2006.
- Included 201 community-dwelling adults aged 55+ at risk for fall-related fractures.
- Intervention components: falls risk assessment, functional status, home environment evaluation, and patient education.
Main Results:
- The intervention significantly increased referrals to physiotherapy and occupational therapy compared to usual care.
- No significant reduction in falls or fractures was observed at 6 or 12 months.
- The intervention group experienced more falls at 12 months compared to the usual care group.
Conclusions:
- A multifaceted community-based intervention increased access to allied health services but did not reduce falls in older adults.
- The study suggests that similar falls reduction interventions may not be effective and cannot be recommended based on these findings.
