FAU researchers identified follow-up rates for older adults that sustain a fall-related head injury resulting in an ED visit, the rate and type of risk assessment for future falls, and adoption of preventive strategies. The study sample included 1,527 patients ages 65.
About 60 percent of the patients followed up with their primary care provider. Of those, 72 percent received a fall assessment and 56 percent adopted a fall prevention strategy. This reflects an urgent need to promote fall assessment and prevention strategies, says researcher Richard Shih. “When referred to physical therapy, patients may be more likely to adopt fall prevention interventions and home safety modifications that have been shown to reduce recurrent fall, hospitalization and mortality.”
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