Podcast 535: A Prescription for Falls

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