This study explored the issue of fall risk reduction education for older patients receiving physical therapy services in outpatient rehabilitation facilities. Research has demonstrated that risk factors associated with elderly falls are multifaceted and that they could be most effectively addressed through multidisciplinary interventions. Previous studies have identified physical therapists as having an important role in the multidisciplinary process because of their expertise with balance and musculoskeletal issues. A survey was used to collect data from patients who were currently under the care of licensed physical therapists working in eight outpatient rehabilitation settings in the Southwest. Participants were asked to answer questions pertaining to whether or not they perceived that their therapist had provided recommendations to them regarding select intrinsic and extrinsic elderly fall risk factors. Risk factors were grouped for analysis as intrinsic (balance, muscle strength, stability, medication) or extrinsic (environmental, behavioral) characteristics. Descriptive statistics indicated that physical therapists do provide recommendations for fall risk reduction to their patients, however not consistently for both intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. This finding was supported by responses from the participating patients. Study results are indicative of the practice habits of physical therapists in outpatient clinical settings in making recommendations to their patients about reducing the risk of elderly falls. The results provide a forum for dialogue between public health professionals and physical therapists to develop multifaceted interventions targeting reductions in falls among the elderly. Collaborative efforts/models of medicine and public health initiatives are discussed to address this health issue.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the risks of falls among the elderly 2. Identify a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic fall risk factors 3. Analyze ways to address both types of risk factors among the elderly through education and other ways
Keywords: Injury Risk, Patient Perspective
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.