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A multifactorial intervention did not prevent falls or fractures in elderly patients during short hospital stays

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R G Cumming

Dr R G Cumming, Concord Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia; bobc@health.usyd.edu.au

QUESTION

Does a tailored, multifactorial intervention prevent falls in elderly patients during short hospital stays?

METHODS

Design:

cluster randomised controlled trial.

Allocation:

unclear allocation concealment.

Blinding:

unblinded.

Follow-up period:

during stay in study ward.

Setting:

24 elderly care wards in 12 hospitals in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Patients:

3999 patients (mean age 79 y; 59% women; mean lengths of stay, acute wards 8.2 to 8.5 d, rehabilitation wards 16.5 to 16.8 d).

Intervention:

2047 patients in 12 wards received a multifactorial intervention delivered by a nurse and a physiotherapist. The intervention included a falls risk assessment, usually within 24 hours of admission; patient, family, and staff education from the nurse …

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Footnotes

  • Source of funding: National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia Health Research Partnership Scheme.