Exploring patterns of personal alarm system use and impacts on outcomes

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the patterns of personal emergency response systems (PERS) use in a statewide cohort of older Australians. Methods: PERS data from clients enrolled in the Personal Alarm Victoria program between January 2014 and June 2017 were analysed. Alarm activation reasons were extracted, and a medical record audit was performed for a sub-cohort of patients admitted to a local hospital following an alarm event. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: There were 42,180 clients enrolled during the study (mean age 80 years, 80% female, 93% living alone). An ambulance attended 44% of the fall-related events and 81% of events coded as unwell. Activation reasons were distributed equally between a fall and feeling unwell, and a repeating pattern of activation reasons was observed. In our sub-cohort (n = 92), the majority of admissions (86%) followed an alarm activation coded as unwell. Conclusion:We demonstrated recurring patterns associated with the reasons for alarm use. K E Y W O R D S aging, emergencies, falls, personal emergency response systems 1 | INTRODUCTION Most countries are facing challenges associated with ageing populations. Globally, the number of people aged 60 years and over has tripled since 1950. 1 Providing supportive environments to assist older people to live well can help compensate for declining health and physical abilities and is a primary component of public responses to ageing. 1 Personal emergency response systems (PERS) are the most established of the technology supports for older people living alone. How to cite this article: Andrew NE, Wang Y, Teo K, et al. Exploring patterns of personal alarm system use and impacts on outcomes.

Personal emergency response systems and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States

“…For example, extended periods of time spent lying on the ground after falls often lead to poor outcomes, including serious injuries and emergency department visits (Bloch et al, 2017; De San Miguel et al, 2015; Johnston et al, 2010). Although PERS were originally designed to assist people after falls, because of the ease of use—they are designed with the needs of people with fewer technology skills in mind—their use has since expanded to other physical and mental emergencies (Agboola et al, 2017; Andrew et al, 2021; Chang et al, 2020; McLean, 2016; Young et al, 2016).…”

Invited Commentary—Exploring patterns of personal alarm system use and impacts on outcomes

“…Alert systems may also give users and their loved ones a sense of security, improving functional independence and reducing fear of falling. 4 Personal emergency response systems (PERS) such as that described by Andrew et al 5 are frequently prescribed by health professionals and funded in Australia by a variety of agencies (eg private health insurance schemes, Department of Veterans Affairs, Commonwealth Home Care Program, Transition Care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme for under 65s).…”

“…Their results also reinforce the numerous comorbidities presented in the older population (mean age of 80) particularly respiratory conditions. When considering a subcohort of the sample that was admitted to a local hospital, Andrew et al 5 identified common medical INVITED COMMENTARY conditions such as cardiovascular or respiratory disease as a primary diagnosis and a high percentage (78%) readmissions at 12 months.…”

“…A limitation of research into personal emergency response systems and fall detection devices is that most research is conducted in simulated environments and with younger cohorts or based on algorithms 6 . By conducting a retrospective cohort study, Andrew et al 5 considered the use of a personal emergency response systems by 42,180 clients enrolled in a Victorian‐based scheme. The size of this sample adds strength to this study.…”

“…There are many devices that have the potential to decrease hospitalisation and mortality rates and reduce nursing home admissions in older people if used appropriately. The paper by Andrew et al 5 makes a valuable contribution to better understanding patterns of use of personal alarm systems and identifying patient groups most likely to benefit from such systems. As the variety of devices increase, an individual risk assessment by a health practitioner (such as an occupational therapist) can determine the most appropriate alarm prescription to suit the cognitive, physical, social and economic circumstances of the older person.…”