Emergency department elders interest in fall prevention programs

Purpose: We sought to determine if elderly emergency department (ED) patients would be interested in a fall prevention program. Methods: Patients at a large urban ED over age 65, who were able to communicate in English or Spanish, were asked to participate in an anonymous 13 questions survey: demographics, reason for ED visit, history of falls within last year, fear of falling in last year, limitation of activities due to fear of falling, and ability to return to hospital or other community setting for a fall prevention program. Results: Of 140 surveys, 31 were completed in Spanish (22%) and 109 in English (78%). Of those surveyed, average age was 76.5 years with 44% Male, 58% Caucasian, 28% Hispanic, 9% African-American, 5% other and 12% were in the ED for a fall.  Findings: 50% had fallen within the last year, 55% afraid of falling, 33% limited their activity due to fear. Overall, 60% would be interested in a fall prevention program with 92% Hispanic elders have interest in a prevention program, compared to 47% of non-Hispanics [χ²(1)=24.42; p<0.001]. Interest in the program was not significantly different between genders, those that have fallen within the last year, or those being treated for a fall. Conclusions: The majority of those surveyed were interested in a fall prevention program with Hispanic elders significantly more interested. The ED population seems to be an ideal arena to recruit patients for future fall prevention programs given the overall interest, specifically within the Hispanic population.