BACKGROUND: Fall incidents are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The aim of this cohort study was to determine the incidence, costs, and quality of life for fall-related injuries in the older Dutch population presenting at the emergency department. METHODS: Data on fall-related injuries in persons aged 65 years or older were retrieved from the Dutch Injury Surveillance System, which records injuries treated at the emergency department, and a patient follow-up survey conducted between 2003 and 2007. Injury incidence, discharge rates, healthcare costs, and quality of life measures were calculated. RESULTS: Fall-related injuries were to the upper or lower limb in 70% of cases and consisted mainly of fractures (60%), superficial injuries (21%), and open wounds (8%). Falls led to a total healthcare cost of €474.4 million, which represents 21% of total healthcare expenses due to injuries. Both admitted and nonadmitted patients reported a reduced quality of life up to 9 months after the injury. CONCLUSIONS: Fall-related injuries in older adults are age and gender related, leading to high healthcare consumption, costs, and long-term reduced quality of life. Further implementation of falls prevention strategies is needed to control the burden of fall-related injuries in the aging population.
BACKGROUND: Fall incidents are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The aim of this cohort study was to determine the incidence, costs, and quality of life for fall-related injuries in the older Dutch population presenting at the emergency department. METHODS: Data on fall-related injuries in persons aged 65 years or older were retrieved from the Dutch Injury Surveillance System, which records injuries treated at the emergency department, and a patient follow-up survey conducted between 2003 and 2007. Injury incidence, discharge rates, healthcare costs, and quality of life measures were calculated. RESULTS: Fall-related injuries were to the upper or lower limb in 70% of cases and consisted mainly of fractures (60%), superficial injuries (21%), and open wounds (8%). Falls led to a total healthcare cost of €474.4 million, which represents 21% of total healthcare expenses due to injuries. Both admitted and nonadmitted patients reported a reduced quality of life up to 9 months after the injury. CONCLUSIONS: Fall-related injuries in older adults are age and gender related, leading to high healthcare consumption, costs, and long-term reduced quality of life. Further implementation of falls prevention strategies is needed to control the burden of fall-related injuries in the aging population.
Authors: Klaas A Hartholt; Suzanne Polinder; Ed F van Beeck; Nathalie van der Velde; Esther M M van Lieshout; Peter Patka; Tischa J M van der Cammen Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2012-03-08 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Annelies C Ham; Suzanne C van Dijk; Karin M A Swart; Anke W Enneman; Nikita L van der Zwaluw; Elske M Brouwer-Brolsma; Natasja M van Schoor; M Carola Zillikens; Paul Lips; Lisette C P G M de Groot; Albert Hofman; Renger F Witkamp; André G Uitterlinden; Bruno H Stricker; Nathalie van der Velde Journal: Br J Clin Pharmacol Date: 2017-07-04 Impact factor: 4.335
Authors: Anthony J Nastasi; Alka Ahuja; Vadim Zipunnikov; Eleanor M Simonsick; Luigi Ferrucci; Jennifer A Schrack Journal: Am J Phys Med Rehabil Date: 2018-04 Impact factor: 2.159