Elderly Fall Risk Interventions

Topic Suggestion

1. What is the decision or change you are facing or struggling with where a summary of the evidence would be helpful?

Which interventions prevent and which ones just delay falls in the elderly?

2. Why are you struggling with this issue?

Many studies show short-term gains in timed-up-and-go and other intermediate measures, and some show short-term reductions in ER use and fractures. But what is unclear is whether these gains mostly just delay instability. Perhaps the better interventions lie in environmental modifications to reduce risk of falls and harm from falls.

3. What do you want to see changed? How will you know that your issue is improving or has been addressed?

Falls are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and we need adequate metrics to see whether risk is being reduced. If we are mainly delaying falls, we may see little effect upon population rates and need to change interventions and change metrics.

4. When do you need the evidence report?

Sat, 01/01/2022

5. What will you do with the evidence report?

Good evidence would focus the work of Area Agencies on Aging and geriatricians toward the more effective interventions, and it might improve metrics to monitor community risks.

(Optional) About You

What is your role or perspective?

PHysician and improvement activist

If you are you making a suggestion on behalf of an organization, please state the name of the organization:

DC

May we contact you if we have questions about your nomination?

Yes

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