The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a rapid, timely and tailored intervention in older people who are not conveyed to hospital following a fall in leading to a significant reduction in future falls, fall related injury and use of emergency services.
The target population was sedentary people over 65 years of age living in the community in the South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health Districts.
The results showed no significant difference between groups in subsequent falls, injurious falls and health service use.
In conclusion: this multidisciplinary intervention did not prevent falls in older people who received paramedic care but were not transported to ED. However, the intervention was effective in those who adhered to the recommendations.
The project was funded by the Health Promotion Demonstration Research Grants Scheme.