The Falls Prevention Clinic began in 2004 as a collaboration between the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, the University of British Columbia, and the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. Since its inception, our clinical services have expanded greatly. We are currently running the Falls Prevention Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital.
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Rationale
- Seniors who have had one fall are at twice the risk for future falls.
- 30% of individuals aged 65 years and over experience at least one fall each year.
- 95% of hip fractures are due to falls.
- Each year, falls directly cost our province $200 million.
- A comprehensive falls risk assessment is not practical during a regular doctor’s appointment.
Geriatricians and their assistants at the Falls Prevention Clinic work in concert with family physicians to identify and address the underlying causes for seniors’ falls.
Evidence
The PPA predicts future falls with 75% accuracy.
Research has shown that a dedicated Falls Risk Assessment can reduce future falls by 60%.
From our six years of experience at the Falls Prevention Clinic, we have reduced future falls by 50% among senior fallers who meet our eligibility criteria.
