Notes

Elderly Fall Screening Test - Develop and Evaluate a Simple, Reliable and Easy to Use Elderly Fall Screening Tool
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury related admissions to hospital for older people and can often prove fatal. While some falls can be unavoidable due to natural age-related processes, others can be avoided through assessment and intervention - yet previous research suggests only around 5 % of community-dwelling older people presenting themselves to emergency departments (ED) for falls are referred for an in-depth fall risk evaluation and multidisciplinary referral process.


Many screening tools exist, with some employing history questions and self-report measures, others using performance-based tests of gait and balance, to identify individuals at high risk of future falls but with limited predictive validity. This research sought to create and test a simple, reliable and user-friendly screening tool in order to detect those at risk of falls among community-dwelling elderly population.

Participants were recruited through advertisements placed in local newspapers. All ED patients aged 70 years and over who consented were assessed using an adapted screening tool by a research nurse.

Original screening tool included a nine-part history question, five self-report items and two performance-based balance and mobility tests. To reduce time needed to complete the screening tool within an emergency department setting, researchers reduced its number of components from 18 to 11. New components include Single Leg Stance test which assesses balance by having patients stand on one leg with arms crossed over chest for as long as possible while timing; chair rise and walk three meters while measuring gait speed with Timed Up and Go test (TUG).

Results demonstrated the EFST had high sensitivity and specificity for identifying those at risk of falls, with physician examinations supporting this finding; patients scoring highly on the EFST were more likely to have experienced at least one fall within the past year, frequent near-falls or an injurious fall, poorer function than those scoring lower on this measure.


The reasons for falls among community-dwelling elderly are often multifaceted and may stem from multiple causes. These causes may stem from either internal (for instance depressive symptoms or polypharmacy) or external factors (e.g. environmental hazards, unsafe footwear or severe weather). Identification of these risk factors and development of interventions that address them can significantly decrease the burden associated with falls on individuals, their families and society. Regular, accurate fall risk assessments can identify these risk factors and alert an interprofessional team of changes that warrant further assessment/intervention to reduce their impact. medical alarm no monthly fee This approach aligns with international guidelines for optimal emergency care of older adults.


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