17 November 2009

Computerised red carpet treatment reduces falls

Nepean Hospital is the only hospital in Australia and one of only five major centres in the world offering a unique new balance retraining technique to prevent falls in older people.

The Nepean Falls and Fracture Clinic has helped 130 patients since opening in October 2008. 

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Dr Andrew McDonald, and the Member for Penrith, Karyn Paluzzano attended the clinic today to celebrate its first anniversary.

Dr McDonald said the burden from fall related harm among older people will grow unless action is taken. 

"Without preventive action, the health system costs from fall injury are likely to show a dramatic escalation due to the expected large increase in the number of older people in NSW in upcoming years," Dr McDonald said.

"A recent study conducted for NSW Health revealed the current estimate of direct lifetime treatment costs for falls and fractures in the 2006/2007 financial year was $579.3 million, which is two and a half times a previous estimate for 1998/99 of $224.7 million," he said.

Ms Paluzzano said the Falls and Fracture Clinic was another important service provided to the local community by Nepean Hospital staff.

"Anything that helps the elderly members of community lead healthier lives is very important.

"This is yet another vital community service provided by the hardworking staff from Nepean Hospital," said Ms Paluzzano.

Associate Professor Gustavo Duque, Director of Falls and Fracture Clinic said 38 percent of patients who attend the clinic have a balance problem. 

"23 percent of people don't realise that they have a problem or that it is increasing their risk of falling." 

To reduce patients' risk of falling the Falls and Fracture Clinic at Nepean Hospital has implemented a new balance retraining program.  The clinic has reported that within a year after using this balance retraining system their clients have reduced their risk of falling by 62 percent.

"The balance retraining program aims to reduce the number of patients who fall mainly from feeling dizzy. Usually the ear, eyes and brain are well coordinated to maintain balance and prevent dizziness.  With aging and some medical problems, this system loses this capacity and people are prone to falling.

"The balance retraining program re-establishes the communication between the ears, eyes and the brain, therefore correcting dizziness and reducing the risk of falling," Professor Duque said.

The Nepean Falls and Fracture Clinic treats patients over the age of 70 who have suffered from falls and/or fractures.

The Clinic is composed of two elements: an outpatients' clinic and in-hospital assessment.  The outpatient clinic assesses patients with osteoporosis and /or falls.

Based on their level of risk, a multidisciplinary team of specialists develop a care plan. Patients are referred from different settings including GPs in the community, orthopaedic/geriatrics wards and the emergency department.

Associate Professor Duque said, "Patients' balance and gait (manner or style of walking) is assessed using state-of-the-art equipment.

 "This equipment includes a Balance Rehabilitation Unit (BRU), a system used not only for the assessment of balance, but also for balance rehabilitation.

"The Clinic also features a gait assessment unit or commonly referred by the staff as the 'red carpet test' - the best and most advanced system for the assessment of gait in elderly patients worldwide.

"This is a very innovative approach to gait assessment that looks relatively simple but provides a significant amount of information about the patient's risk of falling", said Associate Professor Duque.
Patient Tafida Nematalla, from Werrington Downs said prior to going to the clinic she had more than 10 falls in the past six years. Since commencing at the clinic she has not suffered any more falls or broken any bones.

The clinic arranged for Ms Nematalla to attend the supervised exercise program at a hydrotherapy pool.

Ms Nematalla said, "The clinic also suggested I use a walking stick that I take everywhere with me.  I do not leave home without it. I can now go out and visit my doctor, attend the exercise classes and visit the community - I love getting out and about".

 "I enjoy the sessions at the hydrotherapy pool and it makes me feel good after using the pool - I love it!" Ms Nematalla said. 

Steps you can do to prevent your own or your loved ones' risk of falls include;

 Regular exercise: including daily walking, climbing stairs or using light weights for repetitive exercise.  
- Exercise can improve balance, coordination, reaction time and muscle strength  
- Regular medical checkups 
- Keeping a healthy diet
- Maintaining regular eye checks
- Ensuring medications are well managed

Associate Professor Duque said, the clinic offers advice and assistance with home modifications eg. the installation of railing or ramps, nutritional assessment and referral to an exercise program, if required.

"100% of our patients have received a boost of Vitamin D and calcium supplements, said Associate Professor Duque. 

For further information about the clinic please call Ph 4734 4278

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au