The Geriatric Acute & Post-acute Care Coordination Program for Fall Prevention in the Emergency Department II

Overview

In brief, this K76 study consists of a small open trial to refine the study protocol and train study personnel on study procedures (Aim 1.b.). In Aim 2, we will recruit older adults into a multidisciplinary fall prevention pilot study. Participants will be randomly assigned to usual care with a traditional fall evaluation by an ED clinician (i.e., ED medical staff member) or an intervention. In the intervention, participants will receive an in-ED consultation by a physical therapist and pharmacist to determine reasons for the fall and offer additional education and training. Participants will be provided an Apple Watch to record measures of fitness and falls, if possible, in the following 12 months. Recurrent falls will be measured in twelve-month follow-up.

In order to determine whether a multifactorial fall prevention intervention is feasible, acceptable and may reduce recurrent falls in older adults presenting to the ED after a fall, we will randomize patients to usual care with a traditional fall evaluation by an ED clinician or an intervention. Patients in the intervention arm receive a fall risk assessment and recommendations by a physical therapist. They are also evaluated by a pharmacist and participate in a medication therapy management session with the aim to reduce fall risk increasing medication.

Conditions