Author in the Room: The Patient Who Falls

April 2010 Author in the Room^® Teleconference

 

Author: Mary Tinetti, MD

 

Article: "The Patient Who Falls"

 

Summary Points:

• Falls are common health events that cause discomfort and disability for older adults and stress for caregivers. Previous falls; strength, gait and balance impairments; and medications are the strongest risk factors for falling.
• The most effective strategy for reducing the rate of falling in community-living older adults may be intervening on multiple risk factors including strengthening and balance exercises through physical therapy, medication reduction, environmental modifications to reduce fall hazards, cataract surgery. Vitamin D has strong evidence of benefit for preventing fractures among older men at risk and probably of preventing falls in all at risk older adults.
• While challenges and barriers exist, fall prevention strategies can be incorporated into clinical practice.