---

Identification of potential subjects was done through examination of auto generated reports of electronic medical records of inpatients deemed high fall risks.  While still in the acute care setting of the hospital, patients were given a fall risk assessment.  Patients who were over the age of 75, with a score of 7 or higher (on a 10 point scale) were referred to the Fall Prevention/Intervention Program. Those patients who wanted to participate in the program were the Intervention Group (n=50).  Those who were referred to the program but refused to participate were the Control Group (n=50).

 

The Geriatric Social Worker conducted a full psychosocial assessment on all intervention patients in their home.  At the same time, a treatment plan was developed and implemented, which lasted approximately 6-8 weeks for each patient.  A wide range of interventions were offered to each patient and included outpatient exercise, specific Gai & balance programs, adult day health care, durable medical equipment set up, low income assistance programs, home delivered meals, home healthcare, private duty home help, outpatient physical therapy, placement into a higher level of care, senior centers, hospice, and emergency response systems set-up.

 

Comparisons between the Intervention and Control Groups were made on hospital admissions and emergency room visits prior to the auto generated referral, and again at 2, 4, and 6 months after referral. Intervention group participants had significant decreased utilization and total costs of services compared to patients that chose not to participate in the intervention. Within group comparison was done for fall risks for the Intervention Group at intake into the program and upon discharge from the program.    Intervention Group participants had a significantly improved self perception as it related to their risk for falls in the post self assessment and significant decreased risks for fall.