Assessment of the Falls and Fractures Prevention Clinic as the Most Effective Setting toReduce Falls and Fractures in High-Risk Older Persons: A Care Program Assessment

Summary Western Health is one of the two centres in Australia that have implemented a new Falls and Fractures Prevention Clinic (FFPC). However, the effectiveness of this care model has not been assessed. We will assess the impact of the FFPC at reducing falls and fracture risk from initial assessment to six month follow up.

Project Details

Western Health is one of the two centres in Australia that have implemented a new Falls and Fractures Prevention Clinic (FFPC). However, the effectiveness of this care model has not been assessed. We will assess the impact of the FFPC at reducing falls and fracture risk from initial assessment to six month follow up. Falls-risk factors assessed at the FFPC will include orthostatic hypotension, sarcopenia, depression, balance or vestibular abnormalities, dizziness, medication risks for falls, vasovagal symptoms and number of previous falls. Fracture risk factors screened at the clinic will include medications, nutrition, bone mineral density and secondary causes of osteoporosis. Patients will also be offered a DEXA scan if appropriate. The relationship between interventions and falls and fracture risk from that recommended at the initial assessment to the six month follow up will also be assessed. In addition, effectiveness of the following interventions – usually recommended at the clinic – will be assessed alone or in combination: osteoporotic medications; vitamin D and calcium supplementation;  balance training;  gentle balance exercise; protein supplementation; hip protectors; occupational therapy and physiotherapy.