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Home > Emergency Medical Minute > Podcast 535: A Prescription for Falls
Podcast: Emergency Medical Minute
Episode:

Podcast 535: A Prescription for Falls
Category: Science & Medicine
Duration: 00:02:53
Publish Date: 2020-01-28 00:24:13
Description:

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
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