S. Kumar1, Z. Yates1, A. Elkbuli1 1Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, FL, USA
Introduction: The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of fall trends, risk factors, and interventions aimed at reducing falls and associated injuries of elderly adults in healthcare facilities, and communities across the United States.
Methods: A review was conducted utilizing the PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane, and Google Scholar search databases to identify relevant articles published prior to July 7, 2024. Studies were included if they assessed falls among the elderly population aged 55 years and older. Outcomes of interest included fall trends, risk factors, injury classifications, and effective fall prevention/ reduction intervention in both healthcare and community settings.
Results: A total of 32 studies assessed met the inclusion criteria. Despite decreasing fall incidence in the community and hospital setting, fall-associated injuries, hospitalizations, and mortality in elderly adults have increased. Common predisposing factors identified for falls among the elderly in the pre-hospital and healthcare settings include increased age, history of falls, recent hospitalization, and comorbid conditions affecting cognition, gait, and visual acuity. Interventions including strengthening exercise programs and individualized multifactorial plans reduced falls and fall-associated injuries in most studies.
Conclusion: Despite a general decline in the incidence of falls, the rising rates of fall-associated injuries, hospitalizations, and mortality underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions. A more multifactorial approach, including strength training, patient education, environmental modifications, and medication reviews can reduce fall risks. This review emphasizes the critical need for standardized guidelines and strategies to mitigate falls, improve elderly patients’ quality of life, and reduce the economic burden of fall-related injuries.