FALLS, ACCIDENTAL: RESULTING IN INJURY

Course overview

Both the incidence of falls and the severity of fall-related complications increase with age, as are common in older adults and represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Each year, ~ 30% of community-dwelling older adults and 50–60% of patients living in residential facilities or nursing homes fall at least once. About 20% of falls require medical attention, and up to 10% of falls result in serious injury, including fracture, subdural hematoma, laceration, traumatic pain syndromes, and other trauma. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of accidental falls resulting in injury, including risk, prevalence/incidence, and fall prevention. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.