GEMCAST Preventing Future Falls
Nov 9, 2018
Shan Liu, the Fellowship director at MassGen and treasurer of the Academy of Geriatric Emergency Medicine, shares insights on preventing falls in older adults. He argues against the term 'mechanical fall,' emphasizing proactive measures in emergency departments. Liu highlights alarming statistics, including a 23% recurrence rate of falls within six months and a 15% mortality rate. He advocates for better risk assessments and innovative strategies to tackle the complex internal and external factors that contribute to falls, crucial for enhancing elderly patient care.
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Medication Review for Fall Prevention
- Review patients' medication lists, considering their necessity and fall risk.
- Advise patients about high-risk medications and encourage discussions with their PCPs.
Assessing Gait and Strength
- Observe patients walking or conduct a "Time Up and Go" test to assess fall risk.
- Consider physical therapy consultations for gait or strength concerns.
Patient Education on Fall Risks
- Educate patients about fall risks and the importance of prevention.
- Use educational resources to reinforce the message.