Podcast 535: A Prescription for Falls

<p>Contributor:  Aaron Lessen, MD</p> <p>Educational Pearls:</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Emergency department evaluation of falls, particularly in the elderly, should include an assessment of risk factors</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Common causes of falls in the elderly include medications. Review medication list for sedating medications amongst others</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Consult with your hospital physical therapist to discuss fall prevention techniques with the patient </li> </ul> <ul> <li>One study has shown that a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to geriatric falls in the ED can reduce return visits and hospital admissions. </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style= "font-size: 12pt;"><strong>References</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>Summarized by Will Dewispelaere, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD</em></span></p> <p><br /> <br /></p>