What you need to know about falls

Abstract

Falls are a common presenting complaint, particularly in older patients, and are associated with significant morbidity. Inpatient falls also have financial implications for healthcare systems, including litigation costs. This article provides an approach to assessing a patient presenting with a fall, encompassing the cause and consequence of the event. It also highlights the need to consider both the acute and chronic factors that predispose a particular patient to fall. Chronic factors such as frailty, sarcopenia, cognitive impairment, and continence issues are often under-recognised and, as a result, not managed optimally. A comprehensive geriatric assessment is an ideal structure to identify modifiable risks. Practical interventions that can be of benefit to minimise a patient's risk of falling include a medication review, assessment of their mobility and their environment. In addition, continence review and visual assessment may be appropriate.

Risk factors for falls in different age groups of patients with chronic cerebral ischaemia

“…Неуклонная тенденция к постарению населения и необходимость обеспечения лицам пожилого и старческого возраста достаточного уровня качества жизни при сохранении мобильности и коммуникационных возможностей сопряжены с возрастанием нагрузки на медико-социальные службы [1]. Сопутствующие постарению нарушения равновесия, ходьбы и связанные с ними падения нередко становятся причинами различных травм и инвалидизации, что в дальнейшем определяет негативный прогноз жизни лиц этой возрастной группы [2].…”