Falls in elderly people: is the risk suitably assessed?

Results of the annual screening of people over the age of 75 years were used to determine whether the risk of falling in this age group is adequately assessed. The study group comprised primary healthcare professionals employed within six counties throughout England and Wales. Three per cent of respondents indicated that they use formal risk assessment tools when undertaking screening of people over 75 years. Analysis of the answers provided by these respondents, and of their assessment tools used, indicates that none of the tools are suitable for identifying those people at risk of falling within the home environment. Ninety-seven per cent of respondents indicated that they did not use a formal risk assessment tool for this age group. Analysis of the data provided by these respondents identified that the information gathered did suitably identify those people at risk of falling within the home.