Economics of fall prevention programs: evidence and research priorities

Injurious falls, particularly among the elderly, are a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and health and social care expenditure. Non injurious falls may result in significant quality of life losses through generating a fear of subsequent falls. Falls may be due to intrinsic (age-related physiological changes, diseases or polypharmacy) or extrinsic (environmental hazards and behavior) factors. Although interventions target both of these, much of the focus is upon extrinsic factors, through changes to behavior and the environment. This paper reviews the cost-effectiveness of such interventions in reducing the risk of new falls, or modifying the harm caused in the event of a fall, for the general unselected population of the elderly living independently in the community.