Differences in Evaluating Fall Risk by Primary Care Provider Type

Abstract

This study assessed differences in clinical fall risk assessment of older adults (65+) and clinical resources used by primary care providers (PCP). We used Porter Novelli's 2016 DocStyles survey to examine clinical behavior data from PCPs (n=1128). Compared to other practitioners, nurse practitioners (NP) reported a higher percentage of their patients were older adults. The majority of NPs reported screening for falls risk routinely, but most did not use standardized fall-risk assessments to assess risk factors. There were also differences in the types of clinical resources used by NPs and other PCPs to evaluate the safety profile of medications. Study Highlights • Fall risk screening, assessment, and intervention can prevent falls. • NPs were more likely than other PCPs to screen for fall risk at each wellness visit. • Less than half of providers reported using standardized fall-risk assessment tests. • Less than 16% of NPs use the Beers Criteria when prescribing medications. • Enhanced fall prevention training could improve patient care and health outcomes.

An “Engage to Sustain” Intervention to Improve Process Performance Measures in Ambulatory Care

“…Screening practices and rates vary considerably in ambulatory care from use of a single screening question to use of a fall risk instrument or scale. Despite recommendations for fall screening with primary care, about 56% of patients are regularly screened for falls at each wellness visit (Mark et al, 2020). Some investigators have employed structured programs to improve these rates (Jha et al, 2019; Stevens et al, 2017).…”