The use of a multifactorial falls risk assessment and management plan reduces the risk of falling and the monthly fall rate of older adults, and is the most effective component of a falls prevention programme

Prepared by:

Lauren Costelloe (Email:causing_a_rukkas@yahoo.com.au)
4th year occupational therapy student, University of Western Sydney

Date:

May 2004

Review Date:

May 2006

Clinical Question:

What is the evidence that a multifactorial falls assessment and management plan is more effective in reducing the number of falls in older adults than any other falls prevention intervention?

Clinical Scenario:

Falls among older adults are often a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Complications resulting from falls are also often of a more serious nature in the older adult population. As there are many factors that may contribute to causing a fall, a multifactorial falls assessment and management plan incorporates all possible factors in the prevention of falls among older adults. What is the evidence to support the use of a multifactorial falls assessment and management plan in preventing falls in older adults?

Clinical Bottom Line:

The use of a multifactorial falls intervention plan involving the assessment and management of balance and gait, IADLs and ADLs, cognitive evaluation, and environmental hazard evaluation, as well as other factors, is more effective than other falls prevention interventions in reducing the risk of falling and the monthly fall rate of older adults previously at risk of falling.

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