Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a single home-based fall prevention program: a prospective observational...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Aging populations necessitate effective fall prevention strategies.
• Home-based interventions are crucial for community-dwelling older adults.
• This study evaluates a single-visit fall prevention program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a home-based fall prevention program on fall rates and health outcomes.
• To determine the cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to usual care.
• To provide evidence for integrating such programs into standard healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, longitudinal observational study over one year.
• Intervention included home visits, risk assessment, environmental modification, and tailored exercises.
• Data collected via telephone calls and health insurance claims; analyzed using GEE Poisson and LMM.

Main Results:

• Fall rate decreased by 23.9%; medically treated falls reduced by 48.0%.
• Fear of falling decreased, quality of life improved, and physical activity increased.
• Cost per prevented medically treated fall estimated at $1,353, with a 50% probability of being cost-saving.

Conclusions:

• The home-based fall prevention program is effective and cost-effective.
• A single home visit intervention model can significantly reduce falls and healthcare costs.
• Policy recommendations include establishing this model as reimbursed standard care for older adults.