Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD

Educational Pearls:

• Emergency department evaluation of falls, particularly in the elderly, should include an assessment of risk factors

• Common causes of falls in the elderly include medications. Review medication list for sedating medications amongst others

• Consult with your hospital physical therapist to discuss fall prevention techniques with the patient

• One study has shown that a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to geriatric falls in the ED can reduce return visits and hospital admissions.

References

Caplan GA, Williams AJ, Daly B, Abraham K. A randomized, controlled trial of comprehensive geriatric assessment and multidisciplinary intervention after discharge of elderly from the emergency department--the DEED II study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2004;52(9):1417–23.

Albert M, Rui P, McCaig LF. Emergency department visits for injury and illness among adults aged 65 and over: United States, 2012-2013. NCHS Data Brief. 2017;(272):1–8.

Summarized by Will Dewispelaere, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD