Interprofessional Population Health: Fall Prevention Flashcards
What are the risk factors for falls?
- environmental (weather, home factors)
- disease (arthritis, neuromusc. diseases, diabetes, eye diseases, Alzheimer’s, dysrhythmias)
- medications (sedatives, opioids, anti-hypertensives)
- psychosocial (substance misuse, activity level, non-compliance, nutrition, support system)
How is fall risk assessed?
- 30-Second Chair Stand
- 4-Stage Balance Test
- Timed Up and Go
Why are falls such a significant public health concern?
Falls are one of the most important geriatric syndromes and the leading cause of morbidity/mortality in people over 65 years of age.
Falls are the leading cause of both ______ and _______ injuries.
fatal; nonfatal
Why are falls such a significant public health concern?
Falls are one of the most important geriatric syndromes and the leading cause of morbidity/mortality in people over 65 years of age. This is of particular concern, as the baby boomers are aging and a large part of the population is becoming older.
How many older adults (65+) fall each year?
1 in 4 (very common)
How many older adults (65+) fall each year?
1 in 4 (very common)
Those who have fallen once are ______ times more likely to fall again.
2-3 (important to intervene after first fall to prevent additional falls)
What does the CDC’s STEADI initiative stand for?
Stopping Elderly Accidental Deaths and Injuries
What are key elements of the STEADI initiative?
- screen patients for fall risk
- assess modifiable risk factors
- intervene using clinical and community strategies
What are some evidence-based interventions to help prevent falls?
- exercise (Tai Chi, balance/strength exercises)
- home modifications (safety evaluations)
- clinical practices (ex: treating neuropathy, vision screening, Vit D supplementation)
What are some high-risk fall factors in which risk is almost doubled?
- prior falls
- Parkinson’s
- use of walking aid
- pain and # of chronic pain sites
- gait deficit
What are some high-risk fall factors in which risk is almost doubled?
- prior falls
- Parkinson’s
- use of walking aid
- pain and # of chronic pain sites
- gait deficit
What are some of the consequences of falls?
- hip fractures (95% of hip fractures from falls)
- TBI (falls are leading cause of TBI in older adults)
- “fallophobia”
- disability
- functional decline
What are the ABCs for fall injury risk?
A- age
B- bone
C- coagulation
