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BMC Geriatrics Jun 2024Early detection of patients at risk of falling is crucial. This study was designed to develop and internally validate a novel risk score to classify patients at risk of...
BACKGROUND
Early detection of patients at risk of falling is crucial. This study was designed to develop and internally validate a novel risk score to classify patients at risk of falls.
METHODS
A total of 334 older people from a fall clinic in a medical center were selected. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to minimize the potential concatenation of variables measured from the same patient and the overfitting of variables. A logistic regression model for 1-year fall prediction was developed for the entire dataset using newly identified relevant variables. Model performance was evaluated using the bootstrap method, which included measures of overall predictive performance, discrimination, and calibration. To streamline the assessment process, a scoring system for predicting 1-year fall risk was created.
RESULTS
We developed a new model for predicting 1-year falls, which included the FRQ-Q1, FRQ-Q3, and single-leg standing time (left foot). After internal validation, the model showed good discrimination (C statistic, 0.803 [95% CI 0.749-0.857]) and overall accuracy (Brier score, 0.146). Compared to another model that used the total FRQ score instead, the new model showed better continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) [0.468 (0.314-0.622), P < 0.01], categorical NRI [0.507 (0.291-0.724), P < 0.01; cutoff: 0.200-0.800], and integrated discrimination [0.205 (0.147-0.262), P < 0.01]. The variables in the new model were subsequently incorporated into a risk score. The discriminatory ability of the scoring system was similar (C statistic, 0.809; 95% CI, 0.756-0.861; optimism-corrected C statistic, 0.808) to that of the logistic regression model at internal bootstrap validation.
CONCLUSIONS
This study resulted in the development and internal verification of a scoring system to classify 334 patients at risk for falls. The newly developed score demonstrated greater accuracy in predicting falls in elderly people than did the Timed Up and Go test and the 30-Second Chair Sit-Stand test. Additionally, the scale demonstrated superior clinical validity for identifying fall risk.
Topics: Humans; Accidental Falls; Female; Male; Aged; Independent Living; Aged, 80 and over; Risk Assessment; Geriatric Assessment; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38834944
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05064-4 -
Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open 2024Troponin T levels are routinely checked in trauma patients after experiencing a ground-level fall to identify potential cardiac causes of syncope. An elevated initial...
PURPOSE
Troponin T levels are routinely checked in trauma patients after experiencing a ground-level fall to identify potential cardiac causes of syncope. An elevated initial troponin prompts serial testing until the level peaks. However, the high sensitivity of the test may lead to repeat testing that is of little clinical value. Here, we examine the role of serial troponins in predicting the need for further cardiac workup in trauma patients after sustaining a fall.
METHODS
Retrospective review of all adult trauma activations for ground-level fall from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 in patients who were hemodynamically and neurologically normal at presentation. Outcomes evaluated included need for cardiology consult, admission to cardiology service, outpatient cardiology follow-up, cardiology intervention and in-hospital mortality.
RESULTS
There were 1555 trauma activations for ground-level fall in the study period. The cohort included 560 patients evaluated for a possible syncopal fall, hemodynamically stable, Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, and with a troponin drawn at presentation. The initial median troponin was 20 ng/L (13-37). Second troponin values were drawn on 58% (median 33 ng/L (22-52)), with 42% of patients having an increase from first to second test. 29% of patients had a third troponin drawn (median 42 ng/L (26-67)). The initial troponin value was significantly associated with undergoing a subsequent echo (p=0.01), cardiology consult (p<0.01), admission for cardiac evaluation (p<0.01), cardiology follow-up (p<0.01), and in-hospital mortality (p=0.01); the initial troponin was not associated with cardiac intervention (p=0.91). An increase from the first to second troponin was not associated with any of outcomes of interest. Analysis was done with cut-off values of 30 ng/L, 50 ng/L, 70 ng/L, and 90 ng/L; a troponin T threshold of 19 ng/L was significant for cardiology consult (p=0.01) and cardiology follow-up (p=0.04). When the threshold was increased to 50 ng/L, it was also significant for admission for cardiac issue (p<0.01). When the threshold was increased to 90 ng/L, it was significant for the same three outcomes and in-hospital mortality (p=0.04).
CONCLUSION
The initial serum troponin has clinical value in identifying underlying cardiac disease in patients who present after ground-level fall; however, that serial testing is likely of little value. Further, using a cut-off of >50 ng/L as a threshold for further clinical evaluation would improve the utility of the test and likely reduce unnecessary hospital stays and costs for otherwise healthy patients.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III.
PubMed: 38831977
DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2023-001328 -
Health Informatics Journal 2024: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of fall prevention interventions using information and communication technology (ICT). : A... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of fall prevention interventions using information and communication technology (ICT). : A comprehensive search across four databases was performed. The inclusion criteria were fall prevention interventions including telehealth, computerized balance training, exergaming, mobile application education, virtual reality exercise, and cognitive-behavioral training for community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years. : Thirty-four studies were selected. Telehealth, smart home systems, and exergames reduced the risk of falls (RR = 0.63, 95% CI [0.54, 0.75]). Telehealth and exergame improved balance (MD = 3.30, 95% CI [1.91, 4.68]; MD = 4.40, 95% CI [3.09, 5.71]). Telehealth improved physical function (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI [0.23, 1.16]). Overall, ICT fall interventions improved fall efficacy but not cognitive function. For quality of life (QOL), mixed results were found depending on the assessment tools. : Future investigations on telehealth, smart home systems, or exergames are needed to motivate older adults to exercise and prevent falls.
Topics: Humans; Accidental Falls; Aged; Telemedicine; Independent Living; Quality of Life; Information Technology
PubMed: 38825745
DOI: 10.1177/14604582241259324 -
Respiratory Medicine 2024Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases fall risk, but consensus is lacking on suitable balance measures for fall risk screening in this group. We aimed...
BACKGROUND
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases fall risk, but consensus is lacking on suitable balance measures for fall risk screening in this group. We aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of balance measures for fall risk screening in community-dwelling older adults with COPD.
METHODS
In a secondary analysis of two studies, participants, aged ≥60 years with COPD and 12-month fall history or balance issues were tracked for 12-month prospective falls. Baseline balance measures - Brief Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief BESTest), single leg stance (SLS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and TUG Dual-Task (TUG-DT) test - were assessed using intra-class correlation (ICC) for reliability, Pearson/Spearman correlation with balance-related factors for convergent validity, t-tests/Wilcoxon rank-sum tests with fall-related and disease-related factors for known-groups validity, and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) for predictive validity.
RESULTS
Among 174 participants (73 ± 8 years; 86 females) with COPD, all balance measures showed excellent inter-rater and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.88-0.97) and moderate convergent validity (r = 0.34-0.77) with related measures. Brief BESTest and SLS test had acceptable known-groups validity (p < 0.05) for 12-month fall history, self-reported balance problems, and gait aid use. TUG test and TUG-DT test discriminated between groups based on COPD severity, supplemental oxygen use, and gait aid use. All measures displayed insufficient predictive validity (AUC<0.70) for 12-month prospective falls.
CONCLUSION
Though all four balance measures demonstrated excellent reliability, they lack accuracy in prospectively predicting falls in community-dwelling older adults with COPD. These measures are best utilized within multi-factorial fall risk assessments for this population.
Topics: Humans; Accidental Falls; Aged; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Female; Postural Balance; Male; Reproducibility of Results; Longitudinal Studies; Independent Living; Risk Assessment; Aged, 80 and over; Middle Aged; Mass Screening; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38821219
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107681 -
BMC Geriatrics May 2024The surgical management of older patients is complex due to age-related underlying comorbidities and decreased physiological reserves. Comanaged care models, such as the...
INTRODUCTION
The surgical management of older patients is complex due to age-related underlying comorbidities and decreased physiological reserves. Comanaged care models, such as the Geriatric Trauma Unit, are proven effective in treating the complex needs of patients with fall-related injuries. While patient-centered care is an important feature of these comanaged care models, there has been minimal research dedicated to investigating the patient experience within Geriatric Trauma Units. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether the Geriatric Trauma Unit's emphasis on a patient-centered approach truly manifests in these interactions. This study explores how patients with fall-related injuries admitted to a Geriatric Trauma Unit perceive and experience patient-centered care during hospitalization.
METHODS
This qualitative generic study was conducted in three teaching hospitals that integrated the principles of comanaged care in trauma care for older patients. Between January 2021 and May 2022, 21 patients were interviewed.
RESULTS
The findings highlight the formidable challenges that older patients encounter during their treatment for fall-related injuries, which often signify a loss of independence and personal autonomy. The findings revealed a gap in the consistent and continuous implementation of patient-centered care, with many healthcare professionals still viewing patients mainly through the lens of their injuries, rather than as individuals with distinct healthcare needs. Although focusing on fracture-specific care and physical rehabilitation aligns with some patient preferences, overlooking broader needs undermines the comprehensive approach to care in the Geriatric Trauma Unit.
CONCLUSION
Effective patient-centered care in Geriatric Trauma Units requires full adherence to its core elements: patient engagement, strong patient-provider relationships, and a patient-focused environment. This study shows that deviations from these principles can undermine care, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that extends beyond treating immediate medical conditions.
Topics: Humans; Male; Aged; Patient-Centered Care; Female; Qualitative Research; Accidental Falls; Aged, 80 and over; Trauma Centers; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 38816688
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05023-z -
British Journal of Hospital Medicine... May 2024Torus fractures are a common paediatric injury involving the distal radius. Patients typically present following a fall onto the outstretched hand, with wrist pain as... (Review)
Review
Torus fractures are a common paediatric injury involving the distal radius. Patients typically present following a fall onto the outstretched hand, with wrist pain as their primary complaint. The principal investigation of choice is a plain radiograph of the wrist joint. These fractures should be managed with a soft-bandage and immediate discharge approach and do not require specialist follow-up. Clinicians have historically had differing views regarding optimal management of torus fractures. It is therefore important for hospital clinicians to uniformly understand the most up-to-date management of this condition. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, anatomy, diagnosis and management, with an aim to improve outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Radius Fractures; Child; Radiography; Wrist Injuries; Accidental Falls
PubMed: 38815969
DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2023.0336 -
Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem 2024to present the theoretical model, logic model, and the analysis and judgment matrix of the Fall TIPS Brazil Program.
OBJECTIVES
to present the theoretical model, logic model, and the analysis and judgment matrix of the Fall TIPS Brazil Program.
METHODS
a qualitative, participatory research approach, in the form of an evaluability study, encompassing the phases (1) problem analysis; (2) program design, development, and adaptation to the Brazilian context; (3) program dissemination. Data were collected through document analysis and workshops.
RESULTS
through document analysis, workshops with stakeholders from the participating institution, and validation with key informants, it was possible to identify the program's objectives, expected outcomes, and the target audience. This allowed the construction of theoretical and logic models and, through evaluative questions, the identification of indicators for the evaluation of the Fall TIPS Brazil Program.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
this study has provided insights into the Fall TIPS program, the topic of hospital fall prevention, and the proposed models and indicators can be employed in the implementation and future evaluative processes of the program.
Topics: Brazil; Humans; Accidental Falls; Hospitals, Teaching; Patient Safety; Qualitative Research; Program Evaluation
PubMed: 38808898
DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2023-0348 -
BMC Geriatrics May 2024Care home residents aged 65 + years frequently experience acute health issues, leading to emergency department visits. Falls and associated injuries are a common...
Analysis of traumatic event emergency department visits among care home residents aged 65 + years in Southern Jutland, Denmark: implications for comprehensive care and subsequent hospital admissions - a register-based cohort study.
BACKGROUND
Care home residents aged 65 + years frequently experience acute health issues, leading to emergency department visits. Falls and associated injuries are a common cause of these visits and falls in a geriatric population can be a symptom of an incipient acute illness such as infection. Conversely, the traumatic event can cause illnesses to arise due to consequences of the fall, e.g. delirium or constipation due to opioid use. We hypothesised that a traumatic event treat-and-release emergency department visit serves as an indicator for an upcoming acute hospital admission due to non-trauma-related conditions.
METHODS
We studied emergency department visits for traumatic events among all care home residents aged 65+ (n = 2601) living in Southern Jutland, Denmark, from 2018 to 2019. Data from highly valid national registers were used to evaluate diagnoses, mortality, and admissions. Cox Regression was used to analyse the hazard of acute hospital admission following an emergency department treat-and-release visit.
RESULTS
Most visits occurred on weekdays and during day shifts, and 72.0% were treated and released within 6 h. Contusions, open wounds, and femur fractures were the most common discharge diagnoses, accounting for 53.3% of all cases (n = 703). In-hospital mortality was 2.3%, and 30-day mortality was 10.4%. Among treat-and-release visits (n = 506), 25% resulted in a new hospital referral within 30 days, hereof 13% treat-and-release revisits (duration ≤ 6 h), and 12% hospital admissions (duration > 6 h). Over half (56%) of new hospital referrals were initiated within the first seven days of discharge. Almost three-fourths of subsequent admissions were caused by various diseases. The hazard ratio of acute hospital admissions was 2.20 (95% CI: 1.52-3.17) among residents with a recent traumatic event treat-and-release visit compared to residents with no recent traumatic event treat-and-release visit.
CONCLUSION
Traumatic event treat-and-release visits among care home residents serve as an indicator for subsequent hospitalisations, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive evaluation, even for minor injuries. These findings have implications for improving care, continuity, and resource utilisation.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Not relevant.
Topics: Humans; Denmark; Male; Female; Aged; Emergency Service, Hospital; Aged, 80 and over; Hospitalization; Registries; Wounds and Injuries; Cohort Studies; Accidental Falls; Nursing Homes; Homes for the Aged; Emergency Room Visits
PubMed: 38807046
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05092-0 -
BMJ Open May 2024To report the prevalence and risk factors for the fear of falling (FOF) among older individuals living in residential care facilities in India.
Cross-sectional study of prevalence and correlates of fear of falling in the older people in residential care in India: the Hyderabad Ocular Morbidity in Elderly Study (HOMES).
OBJECTIVE
To report the prevalence and risk factors for the fear of falling (FOF) among older individuals living in residential care facilities in India.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.
SETTING
Homes for the aged centres in Hyderabad, India.
PARTICIPANTS
The study included individuals aged ≥60 years from homes for the aged centres. The participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination in make-shift clinics setup in homes. Trained investigators collected the personal and demographic information of the participants and administered the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly questionnaire in the vernacular language. FOF was assessed using the Short Falls Efficacy Scale. The presence of hearing and visual impairment in the same individual was considered dual sensory impairment (DSI). A multiple logistic regression analysis was done to assess the factors associated with FOF.
PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE
FOF.
RESULTS
In total, 867 participants were included from 41 homes for the aged centres in the analyses. The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 74.2 (±8.3) years (range 60-96 years). The prevalence of FOF was 56.1% (95% CI 52.7% to 59.4%; n=486). The multivariate analysis showed that those with DSI had eleven times higher odds of reporting FOF than those with no impairment (OR 11.14; 95% CI 3.15 to 41.4.) Similarly, those with moderate depression had seven times higher odds (OR 6.85; 95% CI 3.70 to 12.70), and those with severe depression had eight times higher odds (OR 8.13; 95% CI 3.50 to 18.90) of reporting FOF. A history of falls in the last year was also associated with increased odds for FOF (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.26).
CONCLUSION
FOF is common among older individuals in residential care in India. Depression, falling in the previous year and DSI were strongly associated with FOF. A cross-disciplinary approach may be required to address FOF among the older people in residential care in India.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; India; Accidental Falls; Aged; Male; Female; Fear; Aged, 80 and over; Prevalence; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Homes for the Aged; Vision Disorders; Logistic Models; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38806424
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080973 -
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2024Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes demyelination of the central nervous system accompanied by a wide range of symptoms. The high... (Review)
Review
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes demyelination of the central nervous system accompanied by a wide range of symptoms. The high prevalence of falls among patients diagnosed with MS within the initial six months highlights the importance of this issue. The objective of this study is to identify factors associated with falls in MS patients in order to increase awareness and reduce the risk of falls. This scoping review used specific Mesh terms to formulate the literature search around falls and MS using Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase search engines. English papers published between 2012 and 2022, studies with a clear definition of falls, McDonald's diagnostic criteria for MS, and those with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) or Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scores were included. Critical data from the selected articles were extracted and classified according to the different factors associated with falls in MS patients. Eighteen articles were included in this review. The most important factors associated with falls in MS patients identified were the severity and progression of the disease, mobility and balance problems, bladder dysfunction, fear of falling, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. In conclusion, this scoping review yielded the most common factors associated with falls in patients with MS. Study findings can be used to develop future interventions focusing on improving mobility, proprioception, and balance to decrease fall risk and injury amongst MS patients.
Topics: Humans; Accidental Falls; Multiple Sclerosis; Postural Balance; Risk Factors; Fear; Fatigue; Disease Progression; Cognitive Dysfunction; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 38803468
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S460475