Fall Prevention Intervention Review

Background

One in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 in the UK will fracture a bone, mainly as a result of poor bone health. The cause of the disease is still not fully understood but research continues to build up a picture of the factors that influence bone health. The combined cost of hospital and social care for patients with a hip fracture amounts to more than £2.3bn per year in the UK.

Approach

We were commissioned to conduct a desk review of evidence based fall prevention interventions. In order to ensure the review was based on robust evidence, we identified peer reviews, articles and journals containing the most relevant interventions, and aimed to present a variety of different delivery methods aiming at reduction in falls.

Findings

Population based approaches, such as promotion of the risks relating to falls, and early education on bone health will involve some initial investment, but should deliver significant cost savings relating to reduction in impact on primary care services in the short and longer term. Interventions such bone health training, early identification and social marketing resources/signposting materials are cost effective and could be supported from a number of partners.